Driven by strong growth in the Williston Basin, the U.S. oil and gas rig count climbed three units to 613 during the week ended Friday (Feb. 4), according to the latest figures published by oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Gains in the United States included two oil-directed rigs and one natural gas-directed unit. The combined U.S. count ended the week 221 units ahead of its year-earlier total of 392, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Land drilling increased by five units for the period, while the Gulf of Mexico count fell two units to 16, flat year/year. Three vertical units and two horizontal units were added during the week, partially offset by a two-rig decrease in directional drilling.

The Canadian rig count...