The number of drilling rigs actively operating in a region. Published weekly by Baker Hughes, the rig count is a leading indicator of activity levels in the oil and gas industry.
Rig Count
Related Terms
C3+ Stream
IndustryA natural gas liquid (NGL) mixture containing propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons separated during processing. Subcontractors working at gas plants or fractionation facilities will handle, transport, or maintain equipment tied to this product stream. Understanding its composition helps crews follow correct handling, storage, and safety protocols on site.
Pipeline Open Season
IndustryA formal period when a pipeline operator solicits capacity commitments from shippers before building or expanding a line. For subcontractors, it signals upcoming construction and maintenance work. Winning bids during this phase often trigger mobilisation timelines and crew planning.
EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management)
IndustryA project delivery model where one firm manages engineering, procurement, and construction on the owner's behalf. Subcontractors are hired directly by the owner, not the EPCM firm. Understanding this structure clarifies your contract chain, payment authority, and site reporting lines.
Sequencing (construction)
IndustryThe planned order in which construction tasks must be completed before the next trade can begin work. Subcontractors depend on accurate sequencing to schedule crews and avoid costly downtime. Delays in one phase can push back your mobilisation and affect your invoicing schedule.
Shaker Screens
IndustryMesh filters mounted on shale shakers that separate drill cuttings from drilling fluid on the rig. Subcontractors handling fluid management or solids control must track screen condition and swap them regularly. Damaged or plugged screens slow operations and can trigger downtime charges against your crew.
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)
IndustryA control system that monitors and manages field equipment like pipelines, compressors, and wellheads in real time. Subcontractors working on SCADA-connected sites must follow strict access and cybersecurity protocols. Your work may trigger automated alarms or shutdowns if procedures aren't followed precisely.
Latest Industry News
US Rig Count Climbs to 593 as Oklahoma Adds Rig
Baker Hughes data shows the U.S. rig count rose to 593 last week while Oklahoma gained one rig to reach 51, pointing to steady near-term work for drilling and completions crews.
29 days agoIndustryBaker Hughes: US Rig Count Slips to 587 Despite Oil Near $100
Baker Hughes data show the US rig count fell to 587 even as oil prices hovered near $100 a barrel, with Permian activity down and frac spread crews also declining.
1 month agoIndustryUS Rig Count Hits 15-Month High on Fifth Straight Weekly Gain
The US oil and gas rig count climbed to 588 this week, its highest since April 2025, as Texas and Oklahoma led gains, according to a Reuters report via BOE Report.
1 month agoIndustryNorth America Rig Count Falls 10 Week-Over-Week, Baker Hughes Data Shows
Baker Hughes' latest rotary rig count shows North America down 10 rigs week-over-week, its first decline since May, driven by an 11-rig drop in Canada and a five-rig pullback in the Permian Basin.
2 months agoRelated Guides
How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements
When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.
Industry GuideWhat Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?
An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.
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