A surge in oil-directed drilling led by the Permian Basin sent the U.S. rig count 13 units higher to 373 for the week ending Friday (Jan. 15), according to data published by Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

shale count Jan. 15

The latest BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus, showed an increase of 12 oil-directed rigs in the United States for the week, along with a net gain of one natural gas-directed unit. The combined U.S. count ended the period 423 units shy of its year-ago total of 796.

Land drilling increased by 13, while one rig was added in inland waters. The Gulf of Mexico dropped one rig to fall to 16, versus 20 in the year-ago period. Horizontal units increased by 12, while one vertical unit was added during the week, according to BKR.

The Canadian rig count surged 44...