Number Of Active Oil Rigs Falls By 12

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States fell by 12 this week to 887, down roughly 1,000 from a year ago.

Of the rigs running nationwide, 700 were exploring for natural gas and 179 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Eight were listed as miscellaneous.

A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,886. The U.S. count is down 56 percent since the end of August as weak energy demand has hampered oilfield activity. ...