Another week of growth in the oil patch lifted the U.S. rig count three units to 323 for the week ending Friday (Dec. 4), according to the latest figures published by oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

BKR shale Dec 4

The United States saw a net increase of five oil-directed rigs for the week, offsetting a decline of two natural gas-directed units. The combined U.S. tally ended the period nearly 500 rigs shy of the 799 active units in the year-ago period, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus Drillinginfo.

Over the past three months, the U.S. count has risen by nearly 70 rigs, and oil-directed drilling has accounted for nearly all of that increase. The natural gas rig count has seen relatively little growth during that time frame. U.S....