Propelled by growing activity across the Permian Basin and the Haynesville and Utica shales, the U.S. rig count rose eight units to 392 for the week ending Friday (Feb. 5), according to the latest numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Rig Count

The United States saw a net increase of four natural gas-directed rigs for the week, matching a net increase of four oil-directed rigs, leaving the combined domestic tally roughly 400 units shy of the 790 rigs active at this time a year ago, according to the BKR numbers, which are based in part on data provided by Enverus.

Land drilling increased by 10 units in the United States, while two rigs exited from inland waters. The Gulf of Mexico remained unchanged at 16 rigs, down from 23 a year ago. Horizontal rigs increased by 10, offsetting a net...