The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States fell 0.7% to 1,971 for the week ending June 15, 2012, hitting a six-week low.  Despite the decline, the rig count is up 6.0% from the year-ago level of 1,860.

The highest weekly rig count in the United States since 1940 was recorded on December 28, 1981, at 4,530; the lowest was recorded on April 23, 1999, at 488.

The number of rigs in Canada increased 7.8% this week, climbing from 230 last week to 248 this week.  Despite the increase, the rig count is down 10.5% from the year-ago level of 277.

The highest rig count for Canada was 727 on February 3, 2006; the lowest was 29, recorded on April 24, 1992.

Source: Baker Hughes Inc.