Including upticks in drilling activity in the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale, the U.S. rig count ratcheted higher during the week ending Thursday (April 14), climbing four units to 693, according to the latest tally from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

shale rig table

Two oil-directed rigs and two natural gas-directed rigs were added in the United States for the period, putting the combined U.S. count 254 units ahead of its year-earlier total of 439. 

Land drilling increased by five rigs, partially offset by the departure of one rig from inland waters. The Gulf of Mexico count held steady at 12 rigs. 

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Five directional rigs were added, with total vertical rigs...