Oil and gas drilling increases in US and Canada
CanadaJune 18, 2026Written byBrett LintonShare on LinkedInDrilling activity ticked higher this week in both the US and Canada, according to recently released rig count figures fromBaker Hughes. The US rig. . .
CanadaJune 18, 2026Written byBrett LintonShare on LinkedInDrilling activity ticked higher this week in both the US and Canada, according to recently released rig count figures fromBaker Hughes. The US rig count rose by one week over week to 563 rigs, matching the early-June count for a one-year high. There were nine more rigs in operation this week compared to the same week last year. Canadian activity increased by six rigs this week to a three-month high of 186. Drilling is up substantially compared to this time last year, with 47 more rigs in operation today. The monthly international rig count was updated with May data earlier this month. This count was 1,046 rigs, down three from the previous month and 25 fewer than the same month one year ago. The Baker Hughes rig count is significant for the steel industry because it is a leading indicator of oil country tubular goods (OCTG) demand, a key end market for steel sheet. baker hughesOCTGOiloil and gasRig CountBrett LintonBrett Linton is a digital operations analyst for Steel Market Update, where he began his career. Linton has been in the steel industry since 2010. He has held roles as a category manager and strategic insights director at Reibus before returning to SMU in 2024. He is a graduate of The University of North Georgia with a degree in Finance and Accounting. Brett can be reached at brett@steelmarketupdate. com or 724-314-0179. Read more from Brett Linton