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U.S. drilling activity increased for a third consecutive week as producers added both oil and natural gas rigs, pushing the national fleet to 599.
The U.S. rig count rose by four to 599 for the week ended September 25, according to the latest Baker Hughes North America Rig Count Report.
That is 50 rigs above the 549 operating during the comparable week last year, an increase of about 9%.
Oil rigs accounted for most of this week’s increase, rising by three to 455. Natural gas rigs increased by one to 135, while miscellaneous rigs were unchanged at nine.
Compared with a year ago, the U.S. has 31 more oil rigs and 18 more gas rigs operating.
The increase comes during another volatile week for energy markets.
WTI crude was trading around US$93 per barrel Friday, while Brent was near US$105–106. U.S. natural gas futures were trading around US$3.20 per MMBtu, up considerably from the sub-US$3 levels seen earlier this month.
Oil markets remain heavily influenced by Middle East supply concerns, although recovering Saudi exports and renewed diplomatic efforts have periodically eased fears of more severe disruptions. Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia restarted its East-West pipeline after an attack disrupted shipments, while Saudi crude loadings through the Gulf have also increased.
Baker Hughes data show some notable regional shifts beneath the national increase.
New Mexico added three rigs to reach 98, while Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming each gained one. Texas moved in the opposite direction, losing two rigs to 281.
The Permian Basin added one rig to reach 270, putting the country’s most important oil-producing basin 17 rigs above its level a year ago.
The Granite Wash added two rigs to reach 20, while the Eagle Ford and Cana Woodford each lost one.
The broader trend remains one of steady U.S. expansion.
The national rig fleet has increased from 588 on September 4 to 599 today, a gain of 11 rigs in three weeks. More importantly, there are now 50 more rigs operating than at this point last year.
Natural gas drilling continues to stand out. The country’s 135 gas rigs are up more than 15% from 117 a year ago, even though gas prices remain far below the levels seen during previous periods of aggressive drilling.
Oil drilling is also nearly 7% higher year over year.
The numbers suggest producers continue to increase activity without abandoning the capital discipline that has characterized the industry in recent years.
With crude prices still elevated and natural gas back above US$3, the commodity backdrop provides producers with reasons to keep drilling.
But the increase remains measured.
Three consecutive weekly gains have taken the U.S. fleet to the doorstep of 600 rigs.
Source: Baker Hughes North America Rig Count Report, September 25, 2026.
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