The U.S. natural gas rig count slid three units to finish the week ended Friday (May 14) at an even 100, while oil drilling lifted the overall domestic drilling total higher for the week, according to data from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rig count May 14

Offsetting the decline in natural gas drilling, eight oil-directed rigs were added in the United States for the week. The combined U.S. count finished at 453 rigs running as of Friday, compared with 339 rigs active at this time last year, according to the BKR numbers, which are based partly on data from Enverus.

Land drilling increased by three overall for the week, while the Gulf of Mexico saw a net increase of two rigs. Five directional rigs and two horizontal rigs were added, offsetting a decline of two vertical units, according to BKR.

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