Number of active oil rigs falls by 18
May 26, 2009
HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States fell by 18 this week to 900, down more than half from a year ago.
Of the rigs running nationwide, 711 were exploring for natural gas and 180 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Nine were listed as miscellaneous.
A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,889. The U.S. count is down 56 percent since the end of August as weak energy demand has hampered oilfield activity.