US drilling activity increased by 1 unit to 626 rotary rigs working this week, down from 780 the same period a year ago, officials at Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday.
Gas operations accounted for the gain, up 3 rigs (to 119). Oil-directed rigs fell 2, to 503, with unclassified rigs steady at 4.
Canada's rig count increased by 2, reaching 194 units, down 8 from the 202 rigs working this time last year.
Directional drilling decreased by 2 to reach 52 rigs this week; vertical drilling increased by 3 to hit 15 rigs. The horizontal rig count was unchanged at 559.
New Mexico’s rig count fell by 4 during the week to 102. Louisiana gained 3, moving to 44, with Texas adding 2 to reach 308. Haynesville shale drillers added 3 rigs.
