The U.S. natural gas rig count remained unchanged at 88 during the week ending Friday (Jan. 29), while the ongoing recovery in domestic oil-directed drilling continued, according to the latest figures from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

On the strength of growth in the oil patch, the combined U.S. rig count rose six units to 384, finishing the period 406 units shy of the 790 rigs active at this time a year ago, according to the BKR numbers, which are based in part on data provided by Enverus.

The Gulf of Mexico count went unchanged to end the week at 16, down from 21 a year ago. Horizontal rigs increased by six, while vertical rigs increased by four. Those gains were partially offset by a four-rig decrease in directional units.

The Canadian rig count...