The U.S. rig count increased five units to 378 for the week ending Friday (Jan. 22), with gains distributed across both oil- and natural gas-focused drilling, according to the latest figures from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rig count Jan. 22

The United States saw a net increase of three natural gas-directed rigs, along with two oil-directed rigs for the period, leaving the combined domestic tally still 416 rigs behind the 794 rigs active at this time last year, according to the BKR. The figures are based in part on data provided by Enverus.

Still, the domestic drilling total has climbed steadily over the past several months after dropping to 244 last August.

Domestic land drilling increased by five units for the most recent week, while the Gulf of Mexico tally remained...