26 January 2014 – The number of rigs drilling in the US held steady this week at 1777, though the gap between oil- and gas-directed rigs grew, according to data from Houston-based services giant Baker Hughes.
Rigs drilling for oil rose by eight to total 1416, up 101 from a year ago. Gas rigs fell by nine for a total of 356, 78 fewer than a year ago.
The Eagle Ford shale saw the biggest rig drop-off this week, shedding nine units for a total of 216, down 20 from a year ago.
Texas’ rig tally for the week was mostly offset by gains in the Permian basin, however, where six additional rigs were running for a total of 484, up 20 from a year ago.
The Williston basin gained a rig to total 179, matching North Dakota’s weekly gain. There were 169 rigs drilling in the state.
The Utica shale lost a rig for 38 but is still up seven on the year. Ohio as a state was flat this week.
The Cana Woodford gained a pair of rigs for 41, up nine on the year, and the Granite Wash lost a pair for 54. Oklahoma netted one rig for a total of 187.
The Marcellus gas shale lost a rig for 86, matching Pennsylvania’s weekly loss.
Most other basins were flat for the week.
California lost the most rigs this week on three for a total of 31, the same as this time last year.
The Canadian rig count rose by 25 this week to 590.
*Luke Johnson – Upstreamnonline
