Losses in the North American natural gas and oil rig count accelerated for the week ending Friday (June 16), with the total number falling by nine, according to the latest tally from Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

rigs

In the United States, five natural gas-directed rigs were dropped, with four lost in the oilfield. Land drilling accounted for most of the losses, down by eight. The Gulf of Mexico rig count slipped by one week/week. Ten horizontal rigs were dropped for the period, while one vertical and one directional rig were added, according to BKR.

The combined 687 U.S. rig total is down 53 units from a year ago, extending the overall downturn in the domestic gas and oil patch that began this spring.

In a stark contrast, the Canadian rig count continued to surge, up by 23 units...