On the strength of growth in the oil patch, and in the Permian Basin in particular, the U.S. rig count continued its ascent during the week ending Friday (Jan. 29), climbing six units to 384, according to oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

All of the net gains on the week were in oil-directed drilling, as the number of active natural gas-directed rigs remained unchanged at 88. The combined U.S. count finished the period 406 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.

The Gulf of Mexico count went unchanged to end the week at 16, down from 21 a year ago. Horizontal rigs increased by six, while vertical rigs increased by four. Those gains were partially offset by a...