HOUSTON (AP) — Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Incorporated says the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. fell by 43 this week to 1,633.
The Houston firm said Friday in its weekly report 1,317 rigs were exploring for oil and 316 for gas. A year ago 1,777 rigs were active.
Among the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas' count declined by 13, North Dakota dropped nine, Oklahoma fell eight. Colorado's rig count was unchanged.
Futures for West Texas Intermediate crude priced at Oklahoma's Cushing hub closed the week at $45.59 a barrel.