The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States decreased 0.2% from last week’s almost eight-month high of 1,782 to 1,778 for the week ending August 9, 2013, halting a five-week upward trend.  The count is also some 7.9% below the year-ago level of 1,931.

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 continues to climb, increasing 5.0% from 341 to 358 this week, and still remaining at the highest count since March 22, 2013.  The count is also some 19.7% above the year-ago level of 299.

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.