🛢️ U.S. Oil Rig Count Slips — Drilling Momentum Fades
The latest Baker Hughes report shows U.S. oil drilling is continuing to slow:
• 🇺🇸 Active oil rigs in the U.S. dropped to 409, down from 412 last week
• That’s 71 fewer rigs than this time last year
• Total rigs (oil and gas combined) are also moving lower, with recent counts around 542–544
📍 The Permian Basin, the largest U.S. oil-producing region, saw additional rig reductions, adding to the overall pullback in drilling.
📊 Why It Matters:
• Rig counts often hint at where future oil production is headed — fewer rigs usually mean slower supply growth
• Ongoing declines suggest producers are staying cautious due to price pressure and global oversupply
• Over time, reduced drilling could tighten supply and support higher prices if demand stays steady
👀 Market Backdrop:
Oil prices (WTI and Brent) have stayed relatively flat, as traders weigh drilling trends against inventories and broader economic factors.
—
Quick Snapshot:
🛢️ U.S. Oil Rigs: ~409
📉 Weekly Change: −3 rigs
📉 Annual Change: −71 rigs
📌 Total U.S. Rigs (All Types): ~542–544
