The United States oil and gas rig count jumped by 15 this week, to its highest level since September 25, 2015, according to Baker Hughes ’ latest report on domestic drilling activity. The number of oil and gas rigs currently active in the United States now sits at 824, which is an increase of 374 year over year. The steady and sizeable jump in rigs signals an indifference by American shale producers towards warnings issued by the Saudi Arabian leadership against increased production. The KSA, which serves as the de facto leader of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), entered into an agreement with its fellow bloc members and 11 NOPEC nations to cut production by 1.8 million barrels. But cheap shale output from the United States is now threatening the effectiveness of the OPEC agreement, diminishing the likelihood of ending the supply glut. Most of this week’s […]