The U.S. natural gas rig count fell one unit to 98 for the week ended Friday (May 28), including a decline in drilling activity in the Northeast, according to updated figures published by Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rig count May 28

The addition of three oil-directed rigs in the United States offset the decline in natural gas drilling to lift the combined domestic count to 457 as of Friday. That’s compared with 301 rigs running in the year-ago period, according to the BKR numbers, which are based partly on data provided by Enverus.

Total land drilling increased by two rigs domestically, while the Gulf of Mexico continued running 14 rigs for the week. Horizontal drilling increased by three units, partially offset by the departure of one directional rig.

The Canadian rig count gained four units...