The U.S. natural gas rig count finished unchanged at 83 for the period ending Wednesday (Dec. 30), while an increase in oil activity saw domestic drilling close out 2020 on a positive note, according to updated numbers published by oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Driven by a three-rig increase in oil-directed drilling, the combined U.S. rig count climbed three units to 351 for the week, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus. BKR released its weekly rig numbers earlier than usual ahead of Friday’s New Year’s Day holiday.

With the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to reverberate throughout the energy industry and the broader economy, the 351 active U.S. rigs as of Wednesday is down sharply from 796 rigs...