Amid gains in the Permian Basin, the U.S. rig count climbed three units to 351 for the period ending Wednesday (Dec. 30), according to updated numbers published by oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Oil-directed drilling accounted for all of the domestic rigs added for the period, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus. BKR released its weekly rig numbers earlier than usual ahead of Friday’s New Year’s Day holiday.

With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to reverberate throughout the energy industry and the broader economy, the 351 active U.S. rigs as of Wednesday is down sharply from 796 rigs active at the same time last year.

Land drilling increased by three units for the week, while the Gulf of...