U.S. Oil Rig Count Update – 3/2/22
According to Baker Hughes, U.S. oil rig counts reached a 22 month high level during the week ending Feb 25th. Feb 25th week ending oil rig counts increased 0.4% from the previous week while finishing 68.9% above previous year levels. Oil rig counts remained 23.0% below pre-pandemic seasonal levels and 41.2% below the three and a half year high levels experienced during November of 2018, however. The current rebound in oil rig counts has been slower than rebounds from cyclical lows experienced throughout both 2009 and 2016.
Oil rig counts declined sharply throughout the first half of 2020 in response to lower WTI crude oil prices. WTI crude oil prices rebounded to a seven year level throughout the second half of Feb ’22.
Crude oil production volumes reached a 15 month high level during the final week of Aug ’21, prior to returning to a six month low level during the first week of Sep ’21, a result of declines associated with Hurricane Ida. Crude oil production levels rebounded to 20 month high level throughout Dec ’21 prior to returning to a two month low level throughout the final week of Jan ’22. Feb 25th oil production remained near the recently experienced two month low levels while oil production per rig declined to a 22 month low.
Feb 25th Oil Rig Counts Increased 0.4% Week-Over-Week While Finishing 68.9% Higher YOY
Oil Rig Counts Have Finished Flat to Higher Over 38 of the Past 43 Weeks Through Feb 25th
Oil Rig Counts Followed Crude Oil Prices Lower Prior to Rebounding Throughout 2021
The Current Rebound in U.S. Oil Rig Counts Remains Slower Than Previous Cycles
Horizontal Rigs Have Accounted for 95% of the Rebound in Total Rigs Since Aug ’20
Feb 25th Crude Oil Production Volumes Remained Near Recent Two Month Low Levels
Feb 25th Crude Oil Production per Rig Declined to a 22 Month Low Level