Texas and New Mexico were the only major producing states and Permian Basin was the only region to add oil and gas drilling rigs last week. Baker Hughes said as of Dec. 18 there were 174 rigs in Permian (168 previous week), 158 in Texas (155 previous week), 66 in New Mexico (60 previous week) and 346 in U.S. (338 previous week). It was the ninth straight week for additional rigs in Permian.
Lea County, N.M., is the new leader among counties with 34 after adding 6 rigs in the past week. Other leaders include Eddy, N.M., with 32 (unchanged in past week), Midland with 20 (down 2), Martin with 16 (up 2), Howard with 14 (unchanged), Reeves with 11 (unchanged) and Loving with 10 (up 1).
Other top states include Louisiana with 40 rigs, Pennsylvania with 19, Oklahoma with 14 and North Dakota with 11. Other top regions include Haynesville with 40 rigs, Marcellus with 27, Eagle Ford with 26 and Williston with 11.