Weekly U.S. Oil, Gas Rig Count Up by 13

HOUSTON – The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States increased by 13 this week to 1,545.

Of the rigs running nationwide, 1,327 were exploring for gas and 215 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Three were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, the rig count was 1,295.

Baker Hughes has kept track of the count since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height of the oil boom. Several record lows were set in 1999, bottoming out at 488.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas gained eight rigs, New Mexico gained six, and Louisiana gained two. Colorado gained one. California lost three, and Oklahoma and Alaska were unchanged.