Global number of oil and gas drilling rigs up 1.6%

The number of operating drilling rigs for oil and gas production worldwide increased by 25 units in May compared to April, or by 1.6%, to 1,628, Report informs, citing Baker Hughes.

In annual terms, the number of operating drilling rigs increased by 366, or 29%.

In the US, the figure for the month rose by 28, or 4%, to 718. Canada saw a drop in the number of drilling rigs to 93, and Europe witnessed a decline to 79.

In the Middle East, the figure increased by 14 to 314; in Asia-Pacific, it rose by nine to 193. In Africa, the figure fell by two units to 76, while in Latin America, it dropped to 155.