Natural Gas Rig Count – Highest in 13 Months

Natural gas rigs are at their highest level in more than 13 months. Much of the increase in the natural gas rig count over the past several months has been attributable to growth in the number of horizontal rigs. As of March 26, horizontal natural gas rigs totaled 567, an increase of about 24 percent since the beginning of 2010. Directional and vertical natural gas rigs totaled 159 and 215, respectively. Horizontal natural gas rigs comprised about 60 percent of natural gas rigs, while directional and vertical rigs accounted for 17 and 23 percent, respectively. The portion of natural gas rigs attributable to horizontal rigs has steadily increased over the last 2 years for which data are available. For example, horizontal rigs in January 2008 totaled 25 percent of the total number of natural gas rigs. Growth in horizontal rigs is related to growth in natural gas production from shale formations. More at the EIA website.


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