The total count of active oil and gas drilling rigs across the United States reached 598 during the latest reporting week, representing a net increase of 49 rigs compared to the same period last year, according to data published by Baker Hughes on Friday.
Within this overall figure, the number of active oil rigs increased by one unit to reach 456, marking a year-over-year gain of 34 rigs. Gas rigs declined by two during the reporting period, settling at 133, though this still represents a 15-rig increase from the previous year. Miscellaneous rigs remained unchanged at 9.
U.S. crude oil production continued its upward trajectory, with output averaging 13.955 million barrels per day during the week ending September 25, up marginally from 13.939 million bpd in the prior week and substantially higher than the comparable period a year ago when production stood 450,000 bpd lower. Additionally, the Primary Vision Frac Spread Count, which tracks the number of crews actively completing wells, rose for the third consecutive week, reaching 195 crews and marking an increase of 8 crews from the previous week.
Regional activity showed mixed results, with the Permian Basin maintaining its rig count at 270, representing a 19-rig increase from year-ago levels. The Eagle Ford region, conversely, saw its second consecutive weekly decline, falling to 49 rigs, though remaining 4 rigs above the prior-year period.
Oil prices declined ahead of the data release, with Brent crude trading at $101.10 per barrel, down 1.14 percent on the day and nearly three dollars lower than the previous week, amid announcements that Europe would release additional crude oil and diesel supplies from emergency reserves. West Texas Intermediate also traded lower at $90.50 per barrel, down 2.55 percent.
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