04 January 2014 – The count of rigs exploring for oil and gas dropped by six this week to 1751, according to the latest report from Houston-based service firm Baker Hughes.
The number of oil rigs dropped by four to 1378, but still 60 more than the year-ago figure.
The tally of gas rigs fell by two to 372, down 67 from a year ago.
The count in the Gulf of Mexico stayed flat at 59 from last week, a figure 11 units higher than a year ago.
Alaska saw the greatest increase in rigs, adding two units for a total of 11.
Colorado, New Mexico and North Dakota each added a rig for totals of 65, 79 and 174 respectively.
Oklahoma and Texas each shed three rigs for totals of 169 and 832 respectively.
Kansas dropped two for a total of 29 and California shed one for a count of 34.
Losing plays included the Mississippian, which dropped four rigs for a total of 75.
Activity in the Permian and Granite Wash decreased by one rig each for totals of 52 and 468.
The Williston and Haynesville plays each added two units for totals of 43 and 185.
The Barnett and DJ-Niobrara play both gained a rig for totals of 34 and 50.
*Kathrine Schmidt , Upstreamonline