HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas
in the United States decreased by eight this week to 1,784.
Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,433 were exploring for natural gas and 341
for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Ten were listed as
miscellaneous.
A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,745.
Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Oklahoma this week gained two
rigs and California one.
Louisiana declined by four, Wyoming and Alaska were each down three, Texas
two and Colorado and New Mexico one.
Baker Hughes has tracked rig counts since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 in
1981, during the height of the oil boom. The industry posted several record lows
in 1999, bottoming out at 488.
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