The number of rigs drilling for oil and natural gas in North America last week jumped 8% over a year ago, as exploration and production companies continued to take advantage of higher commodity prices.

Overall, there were 1,728 rigs drilling in North America, 304 more than the 1,424 reported in the same period a year ago, according to Baker Hughes Rotary Rig Count, which was published on Friday.

According to Baker Hughes, there were 1,206 natural gas rigs in operation last week, up 198 from 1,008 for the same period a year ago, and an increase of 23 rigs from two weeks ago. There was a decline of 13 oil rigs from a year earlier, to 146 from 159.

Onshore drilling saw the biggest increase in the oil and gas rig count, reaching 1,231, a gain of 177 over the 1,054 reported for the same period of 2004. Inland water rigs were up by 2, to 24 from a year earlier, while offshore rig numbers also gained 2 more from a year ago to reach 98.

In the United States, there were 1,353 rigs in operation last week, up 22 from a week earlier and 185 higher than last year’s 1,168. The Gulf of Mexico’s rig count was up 4, to 94, and up 3 from two weeks ago.

In Canada, the rig count climbed to 375 from 256 for the same period a year ago, and 271 from two weeks ago.

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