In the last week of January, the number of active drilling rigs in the United States increased by two, reaching a total of 546. This growth was primarily driven by a rise in natural gas drilling activity. The overall rig count remains a key indicator of drilling industry trends.
**Why this matters**
The rig count provides insight into energy production levels and market conditions. An increase in natural gas rigs may signal shifts in energy demand or pricing, influencing supply forecasts and investment decisions within the sector.