Key Points
- 01U.S. total rig count increased by 7 to 588 in the latest week
- 02Permian Basin added 3 rigs, bringing its total to 259
- 03Data come from the latest Baker Hughes (BKR) weekly rig survey
- 04New figures align with reports of multi-year highs in drilling
U.S. rig activity extends its advance
U.S. drilling activity continued to rise in the latest Baker Hughes (BKR) weekly North America rig count for the week of July 17, 2026, with the total number of active rigs increasing by 7 to 588. The new reading points to a further step up in overall exploration and production work across the country.
The national total captures both oil and gas-directed rigs and is one of the most closely watched high-frequency indicators of upstream energy activity. The latest increase adds to a pattern of gains that has pushed U.S. drilling to levels described as the highest since 2025 in recent market commentary.
The recent series of weekly reports has also been associated with the longest stretch without a decline in the oil rig count since 2022. While the latest verified data focus on the total U.S. rig figure and regional changes, they are consistent with this broader trend of steady or rising activity.
Permian Basin leads regional gains
Within the overall U.S. tally, the Permian Basin recorded one of the most notable regional changes. The rig count in this core oil-producing region increased by 3 in the latest week, bringing the total number of active Permian rigs to 259.
The Permian Basin is a key driver of U.S. crude output, and incremental changes in its rig count are closely monitored by market participants. The latest gain underscores that operators are adding rigs in this area alongside the broader national increase.
Regional movements in the rig count can reflect shifts in capital allocation within the industry, with the Permian often attracting a significant share of new drilling. The rise of 3 rigs there, against a national increase of 7, indicates that the basin accounted for a substantial portion of the latest weekly growth.
Implications of multi-year highs in drilling
The combination of a higher total U.S. rig count and additional rigs in the Permian aligns with reports that drilling activity has reached multi-year highs. Markets track these figures to gauge how quickly supply capacity may be responding to price signals and demand expectations.
Sustained weekly increases, without recent declines in the oil rig tally, highlight a period of consistent expansion in upstream activity. While the rig count does not translate one-for-one into production volumes, it is a leading indicator watched by producers, service companies and investors.
As of the week of July 17, 2026, the verified Baker Hughes (BKR) data establish that the U.S. total rig count stands at 588 and the Permian Basin at 259, both higher than in the prior week. These figures provide the latest snapshot of momentum in U.S. oil and gas drilling.
Key Takeaways
- 01The U.S. rig count has moved higher again, confirming ongoing momentum in drilling activity rather than a one-off rebound.
- 02Permian Basin gains account for a significant share of the latest national increase, underscoring its central role in U.S. supply growth.
- 03The combination of higher national and Permian rig counts fits with reports of multi-year highs and a prolonged stretch without weekly oil rig declines.