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HOUSTON—The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 11 this week to 1,683.
Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 955 rigs were exploring for natural gas and 718 for oil. Ten were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week, the rig count stood at 1,078.
Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, New Mexico gained six rigs, Texas gained four, Wyoming gained three, Alaska gained two and Arkansas, California and Louisiana each gained one. Oklahoma lost five rigs and Pennsylvania lost two. Colorado, North Dakota and West Virginia remained unchanged.
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.
