U.S. Oil Rig Count Update – 12/4/19
According to Baker Hughes, U.S. oil rig counts declined to a 32 month low during the week ending Nov 29th. Nov 29th oil rig counts declined 0.4% from the previous week, finishing 24.8% below the three and a half year high levels experienced during November of 2018. Oil rig counts have declined over recent months in response to lower WTI crude oil prices, which remain 23% below the Oct ’18 highs.
Nov 29th week ending crude oil production remained at a record high level, despite the recent reductions in rigs, while oil production per rig reached a three year high. Crude oil production is expected to continue to strengthen throughout coming months according to drilling productivity estimates compiled throughout areas accounting for 95% of recent production gains, although growth forecasts continue to decelerate as drilled-but-uncompleted wells have reached a 12 month low level.
Oil Rig Counts Peaked in Late 2014, Prior to Declining Sharply in Early 2015
Oil Rig Counts Followed Crude Oil Prices Lower but Have Rebounded Since Mid-2016
Nov 29th Oil Rig Counts Finished Down 0.4% Week-Over-Week and 24.7% YOY
The Declines in Oil Rig Counts Since the Nov ’14 Peak Remain Significant
Declines in Vertical Rigs Remain the Most Significant on a Percentage Basis
Nov 29th Weekly Crude Oil Production Volumes Remained at a Record High Level
Nov 29th Crude Oil Production per Rig Reached a Three Year High Level