Driven by declines in the oil patch, the U.S. rig count fell two units to 310 for the week ending Friday (Nov. 20), according to the latest numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Baker Hughes shale Nov. 20

After a five-rig decrease in oil-directed drilling, partially offset by the addition of three natural gas-directed rigs, the overall domestic tally finished with 493 fewer units versus the year-ago period, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus Drillinginfo.

The drop-off for the period also marks the first week/week decline in overall domestic drilling since September, when the U.S. count fell to 254.

Five horizontal rigs were added in the United States, while four vertical rigs and three directional rigs packed up shop. Land drilling decreased by one overall,...