Led by gains in both the Haynesville and Marcellus shales, the U.S. natural gas rig count advanced to 121 for the week ended Friday (Feb. 9), up four rigs for the period, according to the latest tally from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Total U.S. oil-directed rigs were unchanged week/week at 499, and the combined domestic rig count rose four units to 623, versus 761 in the year-earlier period, according to the BKR figures, which are based partly on data from Enverus.

Land drilling increased by two rigs domestically, while the Gulf of Mexico added two rigs to reach 19, versus 18 a year ago. Domestic gains included two directional rigs and two horizontal rigs, with total vertical rigs unchanged week/week.

Canada, meanwhile, saw no change in its rig count, finishing the period with...