The U.S. natural gas rig count rose two units to 157 for the week ended Friday (July 29), while a six-rig increase in oil-directed drilling helped lift the combined domestic count nine units higher to 767, according to updated figures from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

Along with the higher natural gas- and oil-directed drilling totals, domestic gains for the week also included one miscellaneous unit. The combined 767 active U.S. rigs as of Friday represents a 279-rig year/year increase, according to the BKR numbers, which are partly based on data from Enverus.

Land drilling rose eight units for the period. Horizontal rigs increased by 10 in the United States, while one vertical rig was added. Partially offsetting was a two-rig decline in directional units. Offshore, the Gulf of...