Trend of Active Oil and Gas Rigs from 2022 to 2024
The number of active oil and gas rigs in the U.S. experienced a
decline from
779 rigs in December 2022 to
626 rigs in February 2024. This represents a
significant reduction of
153 rigs over a span of 26 months, highlighting a downward trend in the
oil and gas industry's operational capacity during this period.
Peak Rig Count in April 2023
April 2023 marked the
peak of active oil and gas rigs with
755 rigs, indicating the highest operational level within the data timeframe. Following this peak, the industry saw a
steady decrease in active rigs, culminating in the lowest count of
626 rigs by February 2024.
Stabilization and Subsequent Decline in Mid-2023
The data reveals a
brief period of stabilization in the number of active rigs around mid-2023, with counts hovering at
755 rigs in both March and April, followed by a
sharp decline. By July 2023, the count had decreased to
664 rigs, showcasing a
swift reduction in drilling activity over a few months.
Comparison of Yearly February Data
A comparison of February counts over three years shows a
downward trend, with
650 rigs in February 2022,
753 rigs in February 2023, and finally
626 rigs in February 2024. This pattern underscores the fluctuating dynamics within the oil and gas sector, with a notable decrease in the most recent year.
Short-Term Fluctuations in Rig Counts
Between October 2023 and February 2024, the industry experienced minor fluctuations in rig counts, oscillating between
625 rigs and
626 rigs, indicating a
relative stabilization in the short term despite the overall downward trend observed throughout the larger timeframe.
Year-over-Year Changes
Evaluating year-over-year changes, there was a
dramatic decrease from
771 rigs in January 2023 to
621 rigs in January 2024, marking a
reduction of 150 rigs. This year-over-year comparison illustrates the significant contraction in operational capacity within a 12-month period.
Notable Decrease After Mid-2023
After reaching a peak in April 2023, the subsequent months until February 2024 saw a
notable decrease in active rigs, with the industry shedding
129 rigs. This period marks a critical phase in the data set, highlighting a shift in industry dynamics post-mid-2023.