The U.S. natural gas rig count rose one unit to 116 during the week ended Friday (Feb. 4), with rising activity on land offsetting a decline in Gulf of Mexico (GOM) rigs for the period, according to updated numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Gains in the United States for the week also included two oil-directed rigs, helping lift the combined U.S. count to 613, up 221 units from its year-earlier total of 392, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Land drilling increased by five units for the period, while the GOM count fell two units to 16, flat year/year. Three vertical units and two horizontal units were added during the week, partially offset by a two-rig decrease in directional drilling.

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