From staff reports As the nation’s count of oil and gas rigs slipped by one in the past week, Oklahoma saw a gain of two rigs to reach a total of 43 active rigs across the state.
The latest Baker Hughes rig count, released Aug. 8, indicated Oklahoma’s gain came in the western part of the state where drilling is most active. The count of 43 compared to 35 rigs reported one year earlier.
The U.S. count fell by one to 539 active rigs including a gain of one oil rig for a total of 411.The number of gas drilling rigs fell one to 123 while the miscellaneous count declined one to five rigs. The offshore rig total was unchanged at 13.
The current nationwide total of 539 compares to 588 a year ago so the decline was 49 rigs. The decline included a drop of 74 oil rigs but a gain of two gas rigs over the past year. The total of miscellaneous rigs fell by one.
While the Sooner State saw a gain of drilling rigs, Texas experienced a decline of two, leaving 243. New Mexico’s count fell one to 95 rigs while North Dakota was unchanged at 29 rigs. Louisiana was also unchanged with a count of 34 rigs.
The Red Top Rig Report inWichita, Kansas, reported the Sunflower State’s rig count grew by one to 20 rigs. Colorado was unchanged with a count of 12 while California added a rig for a total of seven. Alaska was unchanged at nine rigs and Ohio remained at 11 rigs. Pennsylvania continued with 18 rigs. Utah remained at 10 and West Virginia saw no change in its count of seven rigs. Wyoming’s total declined by one to 14 rigs.