U.S. Oil Rig Count Update – 8/19/20
According to Baker Hughes, U.S. oil rig counts declined to a 15 year low level during the week ending Aug 14th. Aug 14th week ending oil rig counts declined 2.3% from the previous week while finishing 77.7% lower on a YOY basis and 80.6% below the three and a half year high levels experienced during November of 2018. Oil rig counts have declined over 21 of the past 22 weeks through the week ending Aug 14th however declines have decelerated over recent weeks.
Oil rig counts have declined in response to lower WTI crude oil prices, which have rebounded off of recent lows but remain 44% below the Oct ’18 highs during the week ending Aug 14th. Crude oil production volumes have declined over recent weeks but remain above the 26 month low levels experienced during mid-June. Aug 14th week ending crude oil production volumes finished 18.3% below the record high levels experienced during Mar ’20 while oil production per rig reached a record high level. Crude oil production is expected to continue to slow throughout coming months according to drilling productivity estimates compiled throughout areas accounting for 95% of recent production gains.
Oil Rig Counts Peaked in Late 2014, Prior to Declining Sharply in Early 2015
Oil Rig Counts Followed Crude Oil Prices Lower Prior to Rebounding Throughout 2017-2018
Aug 14th Oil Rig Counts Declined 2.3% Week-Over-Week, Finishing 77.7% Lower YOY
Declines in Oil Rig Counts Have Decelerated Over Recent Weeks
Declines in Vertical Rigs Remain the Most Significant on a Percentage Basis
Crude Oil Production Volumes Have Remained Near Recent 26 Month Low Levels
Aug 14th Crude Oil Production per Rig Reached a Record High Level