The USA rig count rose again this week. The U.S. rotary rig count is within striking distance of hitting the 500 mark, adding seven rigs to reach 491 this week, Baker Hughes Co. (NYSE: BKR) reported Friday. In its weekly count of operating rigs Baker Hughes noted that all seven of the additional U.S. drilling units are oil rigs, now totaling 387. The U.S. gas and miscellaneous rig tallies remained flat at 104 and zero, respectively, the service company added. Since this time last year, when 251 rigs were operating, the U.S. is up 240 rigs, Baker Hughes noted. The firm stated the year-on-year figures reflect a 206-unit increase in oil rigs, a 36-unit rise in gas rigs, and a two-unit decline in miscellaneous rigs. It added the U.S. offshore rig count remained flat at 17 this week – compared to 12 a year ago. Canada shed one rig, […]