The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States rose for the third consecutive week, up 0.5% from 1,754 to 1,762 for the week ending November 15, 2013, reaching a two-month high.  Despite the increase, the count is some 2.6% below the year-ago level of 1,809.

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 jumped 6.1% from 378 to 401 this week, just three less than the recent seven-month high on October 25.  The count is also 4.4% above the year-ago level of 384.

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.