Notable increases in both oil and natural gas drilling sent the U.S. rig count surging 15 units higher to 338 during the week ending Friday (Dec. 11), according to figures from oilfield services provider Baker Hughes Co. (BKR).

shale rig count Dec. 11

The United States added 12 oil-directed rigs along with four natural gas-directed, partially offset by a decline of one miscellaneous unit. The domestic count ended the week 461 rigs behind its year-ago total of 799, according to the BKR numbers, which are based on data provided in part by Enverus Drillinginfo.

Land drilling increased by 15 week/week, while the Gulf of Mexico held steady at 13 rigs. Horizontal rigs surged higher by 17, offsetting the departure of one directional unit and one vertical unit.

The Canadian rig count climbed nine units to...