US rig count declines by 30, to 1,864

[September 08, 2012]  HOUSTON (AP) -- The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. fell by 30 this week to 1,864.

Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 1,409 rigs were exploring for oil and 452 were searching for gas. Three were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, Baker Hughes listed 1,958 rigs.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, New Mexico gained two and Arkansas one.

Texas accounted for the bulk of the decline, down 20 rigs. Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania each dropped by two and Alaska, Louisiana and West Virginia fell by one apiece.

California and Wyoming were unchanged.

The rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981 and bottomed at 488 in 1999.

[Associated Press]

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