The U.S. natural gas rig count surged nine units higher to reach 162 for the week ended Friday, while a one-rig decline in the oil patch saw the combined domestic tally rise eight units to 754, according to updated figures from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rigs

Land drilling increased by five domestically for the week, with total offshore rigs up three, including a two-rig increase in the Gulf of Mexico. Directional units increased by five overall, with total vertical rigs up three; horizontal drilling totals were unchanged for the week.

The combined 754 active U.S. rigs as of Friday compares with 663 rigs running in the year-earlier period, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

The Canadian rig count tumbled 16 units to end at 207 for the week,...