Number Of Active Oil Rigs Rises By 23

HOUSTON (AP) — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States rose by 23 this week to 899, the second time this year the weekly count has increased.

Of the rigs running nationwide, 692 were exploring for natural gas and 196 for oil, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. Eleven were listed as miscellaneous.

The only other time this year the count increased was the first week of April. A year ago, the rig count stood at 1,906. The U.S. count is down 56 percent since the end of August as weak energy demand has hampered oilfield activity. ...