The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States decreased 0.4% from 1,768 to 1,761 for the week ending September 20, 2013, falling to the lowest count since July 12, 2013.  The count is also some 5.3% below the year-ago level of 1,859 mt.

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 2.1% from 380 back up to 388 this week.  The count is also some 6.9% above the year-ago level of 363.

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.