The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States rose 0.7% from 1,742 to 1,754 for the week ending November 8, 2013, increasing for the second week from a seven-month low and becoming a one-month high.  Despite the increase, the count is still some 2.9% below the year-ago level of 1,806.

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 decreased 4.0% from 394 to 378 this week, falling for the second week from a seven-month high.  Despite the decrease, the count is still 2.2% above the year-ago level of 370.

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.