Oil and gas rig counts rise in US and Canada
CanadaJuly 17, 2026Written byBrett LintonShare on LinkedInDrilling activity ticked higher this week in both the US and Canada, according to recently released rig count data fromBaker Hughes. US rig counts rose. . .
CanadaJuly 17, 2026Written byBrett LintonShare on LinkedInDrilling activity ticked higher this week in both the US and Canada, according to recently released rig count data fromBaker Hughes. US rig counts rose by seven from the prior week to a 15-month high of 588 rigs. Activity has recovered in every week but one since late April. Drilling is up substantially compared to this time last year, with 44 more rigs in operation today. Following last week’s 11-rig stumble, Canadian activity recovered by 19 rigs this week to a four-month high of 198. This time last year there were 26 fewer rigs in operation. The monthly international rig count was updated earlier this month, showing 1,073 active rigs in June. This was up 27 from the previous month, but two 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