Drilling Gaining Steam in Texas as U.S. Rig Count Rises

Spurred by an uptick in drilling activity in Texas, the U.S. rig count climbed six units to finish at 261 for the week ending Friday (Sept. 25), according to the latest tally from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Four oil-directed rigs and two natural gas-directed units returned to action in the United States, offering perhaps a hint of recovery amid a profoundly challenging stretch for the industry. As of Friday, BKR’s combined domestic tally still lagged year-ago levels by nearly 600 units.

All of the gains occurred on land in the United States, with the Gulf of Mexico count unchanged at 14. Horizontal units increased by nine, while directional units declined by two and vertical units eased lower by one overall.

The Canadian rig count gained seven...