The total number of active oil and gas drilling rigs in the United States increased this week, according to Baker Hughes data published on Friday. The overall U.S. rig count rose to 591, up 52 from the same period a year earlier.
The number of active oil rigs edged up by 1 to 450, which is 34 higher than a year ago. Gas rigs increased by 2 to 132, up 14 year on year. The miscellaneous rig count was unchanged at 9.
Latest data from the Energy Information Administration showed U.S. crude oil production climbed in the week ending September 4. Output averaged 13.947 million barrels per day during the reporting period, compared with 13.862 million bpd a week earlier. That was up 452,000 bpd from a year ago.
At the same time, Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, which estimates the number of crews completing wells, fell for a fourth straight week in the week ending September 4, dropping to 178. That marked the lowest level since May.
In the Permian Basin, the number of active drilling rigs was unchanged during the reporting period at 268. That is 14 rigs above year-ago levels. In the Eagle Ford, the count rose by 1 to 51, which is 9 higher than in the same period last year.
Oil prices were lower on Friday ahead of the data release. Brent was trading at $105.07 per barrel, down 2.38% on the day, though still about $10 higher than a week earlier. WTI was trading at $99.60, down 2.81% on the day.
