The number of active oil and natural gas rigs in the United States increased 0.1% from 1,761 to 1,763 for the week ending November 27, 2013, climbing to the highest count since September 13, 2013.  Despite the increase, the count is some 2.7% below the year-ago level of 1,811.

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 climbed 4.6% from 368 to 385 this week, rebounding after an 8.2% decrease last week.  Despite the climb, the count is some 3.5% below the year-ago level of 399.

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.