U.S. rig count reaches 603 as oil drilling expands

Last updated: October 19, 2026 | Reading Time: 2 minutes

Baker Hughes’ U.S. rotary rig count hit 603 on Oct. 9, its highest since May 2024, up 5 weekly and 56 year over year.

The U.S. rotary drilling rig total rose to 603 on October 9, adding five rigs over the preceding week, according to Petroleum News, citing Baker Hughes. This marked the first reading above 600 since May 31, 2024. Compared with the same period in 2025, when 547 rigs were operating, the national count was higher by 56.

Oil-directed drilling accounted for the weekly increase, with six additional rigs bringing that category to 462. Natural gas rigs totaled 132, compared with 133 a week earlier, while the miscellaneous category remained at nine. On an annual basis, oil and gas rigs were higher by 44 and 12, respectively. Horizontal drilling accounted for 543 rigs.

Texas added three rigs to reach 281, Louisiana gained two to total 38, and New Mexico added one to reach 99. The Permian Basin remained the country’s busiest drilling basin, with 274 rigs, four more than a week earlier and 24 more than a year earlier. Alaska held at 12 rigs, compared with nine a year earlier.

Source: Petroleum News
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