The U.S. natural gas rig count climbed three units to 76 for the week ending Friday (Nov. 20), while a slowdown in the oil patch dragged the overall domestic tally slightly lower, according to the latest numbers from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Baker Hughes rig count Nov. 20

The combined U.S. rig count fell two units overall to 310 after a five-rig decrease in oil-directed drilling for the week. The U.S. count finished with 493 fewer units versus the year-ago period, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus Drillinginfo.

The drop-off for the period also marks the first week/week decline in overall domestic drilling since September, when the U.S. count fell to 254.

Five horizontal rigs were added in the United States, while four vertical rigs and three directional rigs...