The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States fell 0.6% to 1,953 for the week ending July 13, 2012, down from 1,965 last week.  The rig count is still 2.5% above the year-ago level.

The highest weekly rig count in theUnited Statessince 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 rose again this week by 12.1% to 296 compared with 264 last week and the highest count since March 23, 2012.  Despite the increase, the count is down 24.9% from the year-ago level.

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

Source: Baker Hughes Inc.