Continuing on a modest upward trajectory from recent pandemic-induced lows, the U.S. rig count climbed three units to 269 for the week ending Friday (Oct. 9), according to the latest Baker Hughes Co. (BKR) tally.

rig count October 9

A four-rig increase in oil-directed drilling offset a one-rig decline in the natural gas patch, leaving the combined domestic count 587 units behind the 856 rigs active in the year-ago period. BKR’s U.S. count has now posted four straight week/week gains since falling to 254 during the week ending Sept. 11.

All of the gains occurred on land, with Gulf of Mexico rigs flat week/week at 14. Four horizontal units were added in the United States during the week, with one vertical unit exiting the patch, according to BKR.

The Canadian rig count added five units — three...