Buoyed by growth in the oil patch, the U.S. rig count surged nine units higher to 411 for the week ending Friday (March 19), according to the latest figures from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rig count March 19

The total number of domestic oil-directed rigs rose nine units to 318, while natural gas-directed rigs remained unchanged at 92. The combined 411 rigs in the United States as of Friday compares with 772 rigs active at this time a year ago, according to the BKR data, which is based in part on data provided by Enverus.

The Gulf of Mexico held steady at 13 rigs for the week. Horizontal rigs increased by 10 in the United States, offsetting the departure of one directional rig.

The Canadian rig count fell 24 units to 92 for the week, including a drop of 17 oil rigs and...