In the dynamic world of energy production, the United States continues to defy expectations. Despite a stagnant rig count, U.S. crude oil output has reached unprecedented heights, showcasing remarkable efficiency gains and technological advancements in the industry. This trend highlights how operators are squeezing more production from fewer rigs, a testament to improved drilling techniques and well completions. As of mid-October 2025, the Baker Hughes rig count data reveals a U.S. total of 548 active rigs, up just one from the previous week but down 37 compared to the same period last year.
Meanwhile, weekly crude oil production hit a record 13.636 million barrels per day (bpd) for the week ending October 10, up slightly from 13.629 million bpd the prior week.
This surge in output comes amid broader global rig activity that remains mixed across key regions.
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Global Rig Counts by Main Areas
Globally, the rig count provides a snapshot of exploration and development activity outside North America. According to Baker Hughes’ latest monthly international rig count for September 2025, the total stood at 1,084 active rigs, marking an increase of 8 from August but a decline of 72 from September 2024.
This figure contributes to a worldwide total of approximately 1,812 rigs when including North America.
Breaking down by major regions (based on the most recent available breakdowns, which align with September trends):
|
Region
|
Approximate Rig Count
|
Change from Previous Month
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Middle East
|
359
|
Stable
|
Leading region, driven by Saudi Arabia and UAE activity.
|
|
Asia Pacific
|
317
|
-3
|
Includes offshore operations in Australia and Indonesia.
|
|
Latin America
|
195
|
+5
|
Strong in Brazil and Argentina, with offshore gains.
|
|
Africa
|
108
|
+2
|
Focused on Nigeria and Angola.
|
|
Europe
|
105
|
+4
|
North Sea and emerging Eastern Europe plays.
|
These numbers reflect a cautious approach globally, with the Middle East maintaining dominance due to OPEC+ strategies, while Asia Pacific sees slight pullbacks amid economic uncertainties.
U.S. Rig Counts: Oil vs. Gas Breakdown
In the United States, the rig count has shown little movement, underscoring a “stalling” phase where operators prioritize capital discipline over aggressive expansion. The total of 548 rigs includes:Oil Rigs: 418 (unchanged from the previous week, down 64 year-over-year).
Gas Rigs: 121 (up 1 from the previous week, up 22 year-over-year).
Miscellaneous Rigs: 9 (unchanged from the previous week).
This split illustrates a modest uptick in gas-directed drilling, possibly in response to anticipated higher natural gas prices, while oil rigs remain flat amid volatile crude prices. Despite the stagnation, frac spread counts—a measure of completion activity—slipped to 175, down 4 from the prior week and 26 year-over-year, indicating focused but efficient operations.
U.S. Rig Counts by Main Basins
Drilling activity varies significantly across key U.S. basins, with the Permian continuing to dominate but showing signs of moderation. Here’s a breakdown based on the latest October 2025 data:
|
Basin
|
Rig Count
|
Change from Previous Week
|
Change Year-Over-Year
|
Primary Focus
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Permian
|
251
|
+1
|
-53
|
Oil-heavy, spanning Texas and New Mexico.
|
|
Eagle Ford
|
44
|
0
|
-5
|
Oil and gas in South Texas.
|
|
Haynesville
|
41
|
+2
|
Stable
|
Gas-focused in Louisiana and Texas.
pboilandgasmagazine.com
|
|
Williston (Bakken)
|
~30
|
-1
|
Down
|
Oil in North Dakota.
|
|
DJ-Niobrara
|
10
|
-1
|
Down
|
Oil and gas in Colorado.
energynewsbeat.co
|
|
Marcellus/Utica
|
37
|
0
|
Stable
|
Gas in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia.
marcellusdrilling.com
|
The Permian Basin remains the epicenter of U.S. activity, accounting for nearly half of all rigs, though its year-over-year decline reflects broader industry restraint.
Basins like Haynesville are seeing gains tied to gas demand.
U.S. Rig Counts by Main States
State-level data further illustrates regional concentrations, with Texas and New Mexico leading due to their overlap with the prolific Permian Basin. As of mid-October 2025:
|
State
|
Rig Count
|
Change from Previous Week
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Texas
|
238
|
-6
|
Dominant state, includes Permian and Eagle Ford.
southwestledger.news
|
|
New Mexico
|
100
|
+4
|
Permian-focused, strong growth.
pboilandgasmagazine.com
|
|
North Dakota
|
~30
|
-1
|
Bakken Basin activity.
|
|
Oklahoma
|
~40
|
Stable
|
Various basins including Anadarko.
|
|
Louisiana
|
38
|
+2
|
Haynesville and Gulf offshore.
getscalefunding.com
|
|
Pennsylvania
|
~20
|
0
|
Marcellus gas plays.
getscalefunding.com
|
Texas alone hosts over 40% of U.S. rigs, but recent declines signal caution, while New Mexico’s additions buck the trend.
Why Output Soars Amid Stalling Rigs
The disconnect between rig counts and production stems from efficiency: longer laterals, better fracking, and drawing down drilled-but-uncompleted (DUC) wells. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects U.S. crude output to average around 13.6 million bpd in 2025, with gas at 105.2 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd).
This resilience supports energy independence but raises questions about sustainability if rig activity doesn’t rebound. As global demand fluctuates, U.S. producers are positioned to capitalize on their productivity edge.
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