The latest U.S. rig count fell by 27 to stand at 1,168 in the first week of October, but still remained higher than the same period a year ago, when there were 1,035 rigs operating, according to Houston-based Baker Hughes, reporting for the week ending Oct. 5. In Canada, the number of rigs exploring for oil and gas was up 12 to stand at 316, but lower than last year’s 356 for the same period.

In the Gulf of Mexico, the rig count was down seven to stand at 128, compared with 140 rigs operating at the same time in 2000. Land rigs were down 30, standing at 985, while the offshore count was 133, down seven. Inland rigs, which numbered 23 two weeks ago, remained unchanged.

Overall, the total North American rig count dropped by 15 to 1,457, compared to last year’s 1,391. Natural gas rigs were down 17 and stood at 936, while the number of oil rigs fell by 10 to 205. Baker Hughes reported there were no miscellaneous rigs, similar to two weeks ago. Directional rigs were down 10 to stand at 279, horizontal rigs up one to 83, and vertical rigs fell by 18 to 779. Texas lost the most rigs by state, with seven less than a week earlier to stand at 450, while Louisiana lost 10 rigs to stand at 201.

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