09 August 2014, News Wires – The number of rigs drilling for oil and gas rose by 19 this week for a total of 1908, according to data from Houston-based services giant Baker Hughes.
Both oil and gas rigs rose, but oil-directed units made up the bulk of the weekly increase with a spurt of 15 for a total of 1588. That is 203 more than a year ago.
Gas rigs were up three on 316, which is 70 fewer than a year ago.
California was this big mover this week, adding seven rigs for a total of 48, up 10 from this time last year.
North Dakota also made a push, adding five rigs for 182. The Williston basin as a whole added five rigs as well, for 191.
Texas refused to be forgotten, adding four more rigs for its US-leading count of 908. That is 59 more than a year ago, the highest year-on-year margin among states.
And yet, all the major Texas shale basins fell on the week. The Permian basin was down two rigs, for a total of 560, still 90 more than a year ago.
The Eagle Ford also fell, by three, to total 201. The Granite Wash was off by three on 72 and the Barnett shale was flat on 26.
The Mississippian was up one rig on 80. Oklahoma gained two for 211.
Colorado gained three rigs for 71 while the DJ-Niobrara basin was flat on 57.
The Marcellus lost five rigs, the biggest loser among basins, bringing its weekly total to 74. Pennsylvania was off three on 51, flat for the year.
The Utica was flat on 45. Alaska gained two for eight.
The Gulf of Mexico gained two for 60 rigs. Canada lost five for 387.
– Upstream