The U.S. natural gas rig count climbed one unit to 138 for the week ended Friday (April 1), while continued expansion in the Permian Basin helped propel a two-rig increase in the oil patch, according to the latest numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

daily rigs

The overall U.S. rig count climbed three units to 673 for the period, finishing nearly 250 units ahead of its year-earlier total of 430, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Land drilling by exploration and production (E&P) companies increased by four units for the period, offsetting a one-rig decline in inland waters drilling. The Gulf of Mexico count held steady at 14. Three horizontal rigs were added overall, with directional and vertical drilling totals unchanged week/week.

The Canadian...