U.S. Oil Drilling Activity Edges Higher

The total number of active drilling rigs for oil and gas in the United States rose this week, according to new data that Baker Hughes published on Friday, with the total rig count in the US rising to 603, up 56 from this same time last year. The number of active oil rigs rose by 6, reaching 462 during the latest reporting period, according to the data. This is 44 above this same time last year. The number of gas rigs fell by 1 to 132, which is 12 more than this time last year. Miscellaneous rigs stayed the same at 9. The latest EIA data showed…

admin October 9, 2026

According to recent data from Baker Hughes, the total count of active oil and gas drilling rigs in the United States grew this week to 603, marking a year-over-year increase of 56.

The specific breakdown includes:
* **Oil rigs:** Increased by 6 to reach 462 (up 44 compared to last year).
* **Gas rigs:** Decreased by 1 to 132 (up 12 compared to last year).
* **Miscellaneous rigs:** Remained unchanged at 9.

Data from the EIA shows a slight uptick in domestic crude production for the week ending October 2, averaging 13.979 million barrels per day (bpd). This represents a gain from the previous week’s 13.955 million bpd and a 350,000 bpd increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count—which measures well completion activity—gained 1 crew to reach 196, marking its fourth consecutive weekly rise.

Regional rig activity includes:
* **Permian Basin:** Added 4 rigs to total 274 (up 24 year-over-year).
* **Eagle Ford:** Held steady at 49 rigs (up 5 year-over-year).

Ahead of the Baker Hughes report, oil prices were trading lower on Friday. Brent crude stood at $103.80 per barrel (down 0.42% for the day, but up $2.70 weekly), while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipped to $91.29 per barrel (down 0.22%).