The U.S. drilling industry showed signs of revival this week, with the total rig count rising for the first time in 12 weeks. According to the latest data from Baker Hughes, the active rig count in the United States increased by 7 to 544 as of July 18, 2025. This uptick was driven primarily by a surge in natural gas drilling, though the overall count remains 42 rigs (or 7%) lower than the same period last year. This development comes amid fluctuating energy prices and ongoing forecasts for increased production in 2025. Below, we break down the U.S. rig counts by type and major basins, estimated production numbers from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and a look at global rig activity with breakdowns by oil and natural gas, where available.
U.S. Rig Count Breakdown
The increase in the U.S. rig count was led by natural gas rigs, which posted their largest weekly gain since July 2023. Oil rigs, however, continued a downward trend, reaching their lowest level since September 2021.
|
Category
|
Current Count (July 18, 2025)
|
Change from Previous Week
|
Change from Previous Year
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Rigs
|
544
|
+7
|
-42
|
|
Oil Rigs
|
422
|
-2
|
N/A
|
|
Gas Rigs
|
117
|
+9
|
N/A
|
|
Miscellaneous Rigs
|
5
|
0
|
N/A
|
Source: Baker Hughes
Rig Counts by Major BasinsDetailed basin-level data for the week ending July 18, 2025, is limited in public summaries, but key highlights include a decline in the Permian Basin, the nation’s largest oil-producing region. The surge in gas rigs likely occurred in key natural gas basins such as the Haynesville or Appalachia, though specific numbers are not detailed in the latest reports. Based on available data and recent trends:
- Permian Basin: 263 rigs, down 2 from the previous week (lowest since December 2021). This basin accounts for a significant portion of U.S. oil production.
For other major basins, recent reports (from June-July 2025 trends) indicate the following approximate counts, though they may not reflect the exact July 18 figures due to limited granular updates:
- Haynesville: Around 40-50 rigs, with potential increases given the gas rig surge.
- Appalachia (Marcellus/Utica): Approximately 40 rigs, focused on natural gas.
- Eagle Ford: Around 40 rigs.
- Williston (Bakken): Approximately 30 rigs.
- DJ-Niobrara: About 10 rigs.
- Anadarko: Around 20 rigs.
- Other basins (e.g., Barnett, Fayetteville, Granite Wash): Minimal activity, often under 5 rigs each.
Note: Comprehensive basin breakdowns are typically available in Baker Hughes’ full reports, which suggest stable to declining activity in most areas outside the Permian.
Estimated U.S. Production Numbers
The EIA provides weekly estimates for crude oil production and monthly data for natural gas. The latest weekly data (week ending July 11, 2025) shows U.S. crude oil production remaining steady at elevated levels, supporting the forecast for record output in 2025. Natural gas production data is monthly, with the most recent preliminary figures for April 2025.
- Crude Oil Production: Estimated at 13,300 thousand barrels per day (or 13.3 million bpd) for the week ending July 11, 2025. This is consistent with EIA forecasts for an average of 13.4 million bpd in 2025, up from 13.2 million bpd in 2024.
Refinery inputs for the same week averaged 16.8 million bpd, down 158 thousand bpd from the previous week.
- Natural Gas Production: Preliminary dry natural gas production in April 2025 was 3,216 billion cubic feet (Bcf), or 107.2 Bcf per day (Bcf/d). Marketed production averaged 116.8 Bcf/d in Q2 2025, up 4.7 Bcf/d from Q2 2024. The EIA projects an average of 105.9 Bcf/d in 2025, up from 103.2 Bcf/d in 2024.
These production levels reflect ongoing efficiency gains in shale plays, even as rig counts remain below historical highs.Global Rig Counts and Breakdown by Oil/Natural GasGlobal rig activity provides context for U.S. trends, with international data released monthly. The latest worldwide rig count (combining weekly U.S./Canada and monthly international) stands at 1,629 as of July 2025 (using June 2025 for international).
- Total Worldwide: 1,629 rigs (U.S. 544 + Canada 172 + International 913).
- Changes: U.S. up 7 week-over-week; Canada up 10 week-over-week; International up 27 from May 2025 but down 44 from June 2024.
Breakdown by oil and natural gas is available for the U.S. (as above), but international and worldwide data are not consistently broken out by type in public summaries. International rigs are primarily land-based (730) and offshore (183), with a majority targeting oil in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. Worldwide, oil rigs dominate, but exact splits for June 2025 are not detailed; historical trends show roughly 70-80% oil, 15-20% gas, and the rest miscellaneous or geothermal.
Global Rig Counts by Region (June 2025 International Data)
|
Region
|
Rig Count
|
Change from Previous Month (May 2025)
|
Change from Previous Year (June 2024)
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Africa
|
N/A (aggregated in international)
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Asia Pacific
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Europe
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Latin America
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Middle East
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
International Total
|
913
|
+27
|
-44
|
Note: Detailed regional breakdowns for June 2025 were not available in the latest summaries, but the international count serves as a leading indicator for global hydrocarbon demand.
Outlook and Implications
The uptick in U.S. rig counts, particularly in gas drilling, could signal a response to expected higher natural gas prices in 2025. However, with oil rigs declining and total counts below last year’s levels, the industry remains cautious amid economic uncertainties and tariff concerns. Globally, the stable international count suggests steady demand, but lower year-over-year figures highlight potential challenges in non-U.S. markets.
Stay tuned to Energy News Beat for more updates on rig activity, production trends, and energy market insights. Data sourced from Baker Hughes and EIA reports.
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