The U.S. rig count increased four units to 756 during the week ended Friday (July 15) as increased activity on land offset a decline in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), according to the latest figures from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

shale rig count

Gains in the United States for the week included two oil-directed rigs and two miscellaneous units. Natural gas-directed drilling remained unchanged week/week at 153 rigs. The combined 756 active U.S. rigs as of Friday marks a 272-rig increase from 484 rigs running in the year-earlier period. 

Land drilling increased by seven rigs in the United States week/week, partially offset by a three-rig decline in the GOM. Four horizontal rigs were added domestically, along with three vertical rigs. Partially offsetting was a three-rig decline in directional units,...