HOUSTON, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The active number of drilling rigs in the United States rose by 8 this week as the industry continues to recover, according to weekly data collected by Baker Hughes released on Friday.
Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes reported that the overall rig count increased to 1,021 in total, up 151 from 870 a year ago.
According to the company, oil rigs added 5 to bring the count to 825, up 128 from a year ago. Natural gas drilling rigs rose by 4.
Texas oil fields added a net four rigs, despite the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford shale each losing a rig.
Oil prices settled lower on Friday amid the rising of active number of drilling rigs in the United States. The West Texas Intermediate for June delivery decreased 0.09 U.S. dollar to settle at 68.10 dollars a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June delivery fell 0.1 dollar to close at 74.64 dollars a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange.
