U.S. energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for first time in three weeks, energy services firm Baker Hughes (BKR.O) said in its closely followed report on Friday.
The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by 11 to 630 in the week to Sept. 22, the lowest since February 2022. , ,
Baker Hughes said that puts the total rig count down 134 rigs, or 18%, below this time last year.
U.S. oil rigs fell by eight to 507 this week, their lowest since February 2022, while gas rigs dropped by three to 118.
In the Permian in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, the nation’s biggest shale oil basin, drillers cut five rigs, bringing the total oil and gas count down to 317, the lowest since March 2022, according to Baker Hughes.
In the Haynesville shale in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas, drillers cut the number of gas rigs operating by two to 39, the lowest since November 2020.
U.S. oil futures were up about 12% so far this year after gaining about 7% in 2022. U.S. gas futures , meanwhile, have plunged about 41% so far this year after rising about 20% last year.
Even though energy companies were on track to boost spending for a third year in a row in 2023 – mostly to cover rising inflation-related costs for labor and equipment – many firms were still more focused on returning money to investors and paying down debt rather than boosting oil and gas production.