Amid large gains in the Permian Basin and the Marcellus Shale, the U.S. rig count surged 9 units higher to 360 for the period ending Friday (Jan. 8), according to the latest weekly numbers published Friday by oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

shale rigs Jan 8

The rise in domestic drilling included an increase of eight oil-directed rigs, along with one natural gas-directed unit. The combined U.S. count ended the week 421 rigs behind the 781 rigs active a year ago, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus.

Land drilling increased by nine rigs week/week, while the Gulf of Mexico held steady at 17 rigs, down from 21 a year ago. Horizontal units increased by seven, while one directional unit and one vertical unit were also added.

The...