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    Environment and Energy

    SMU Energy Analysis: Rig Count Continues to Decline

    Written by Peter Wright


    Crude oil prices have been stable since mid-June, but the rig count continues to decline. The total number of operating rigs exploring for oil has declined by 211 or 23.8 percent since the end of last year.

    The spot price of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) FOB Cushing, Okla., has been very consistent since mid-June ranging from $51.14 on Aug. 7 to $57.04 on Nov. 5. The exception was a one-day spike on Sept. 16 when it reached $63.10. That was the extent of the reaction to the attack on the Saudi oil fields. On Nov. 15, WTI was priced at $56.67 and Brent was priced at $62.19 per barrel.

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