HOUSTON (AP) - The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and
natural gas in the U.S. increased by 12 this week to 1,539.
Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 953 rigs were
exploring for natural gas and 574 for oil. Twelve were listed as
miscellaneous. A year ago this week, the rig count stood at 899.
Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas gained 12 and
Colorado, Pennsylvania and Wyoming each gained four. California
gained three and West Virginia gained two. New Mexico and North
Dakota each gained one. Louisiana lost six, Oklahoma lost five, and
Alaska and Arkansas each lost one.
The rig count tally peaked at 4,530 in 1981, during the height
of the oil boom. The industry posted a record low of 488 in 1999.

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