United States rig count jumps by 30

The number of oil and gas rigs drilling in the United States jumped by 30 to a total of 1861, according to data from Houston-based oilfield services giant Baker Hughes.

Oil-directed rigs accounted for the bulk of the big gain with an additional 24 units getting to work for a total of 1534. That is 153 more than a year ago.

The Permian basin in West Texas and New Mexico continued its strong year, adding just two rigs. That brought the weekly total to 542, up 71 from a year ago. Texas gained 10 rigs to total 894 while New Mexico edged up by two for a total of 91. The Eagle Ford shale gained two rigs for 219. The Williston basin, home to the Bakken and Three Forks shales, also added two rigs for 187. The biggest jump among shale regions was in the Marcellus, which added six rigs for a total of 87. The gassy Haynesville shale also added rigs, two of them, to total 47.

The Utica lost a rig for a total of 36, as did its home state of Ohio, which tallied 35 total rigs. That was the only state to lose a rig. All other states gained rigs, aside from Alaska, Arkansas and Utah, which were all flat. Oklahoma had a strong week with five additional units for a total of 192. West Virginia gained four for 27. The Gulf of Mexico added a pair of rigs for a total of 53, six more than a year ago.

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