Propelled by rising activity in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) amid the recovery from Hurricane Ida-related impacts, the U.S. rig count rose nine units to 521 for the week ended Friday (Sept. 24), according to Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

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Ten oil-directed rigs were added in the United States for the week, offsetting a one-rig decline in natural gas drilling. GOM activity increased by four units for the period, with four rigs added on land and one in inland waters, according to the BKR figures, which are based partly on data from Enverus.

The GOM rig count had dropped to zero in the immediate aftermath of Ida, which made landfall over Louisiana late last month.

The 521 active U.S. rigs as of Friday compares with 261 rigs running in the year-ago period. Five directional units were added...