The U.S. oil-rig count is typically viewed as a proxy for activity in the sector. After peaking at 1,609 in October 2014, low oil prices put a downward pressure on prices and the rig count fell sharply. The nation’s gas-rig count fell by one in the past week to 88. The U.S. offshore-rig count stayed consistent from last week at 19, 12 fewer than a year ago. Oil markets have been under pressure this week as an oversupply of gasoline and diesel weighs on prices. The markets sustained heavy losses Tuesday and Thursday, fueled in part by a surplus of gasoline from refiners, despite record demand from drivers and increased passenger vehicle sales. U.S. crude oil rose 0.5% Friday to $45.38 on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

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