The oil and gas industry continued a slow recovery this week, as the number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 12 to 741.
Oklahoma, however, is among eight states with no change in their numbers.
A year ago, 541 rigs were active.
Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday 591 rigs sought oil and 149 explored for natural gas this week. One was listed as miscellaneous.
Texas increased by seven rigs, New Mexico was up by four rigs, Louisiana and West Virginia each gained two and Pennsylvania was up one.
Ohio and Wyoming each lost two rigs.
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Utah were all unchanged.
West Texas crude is currently $53.77 a barrel.
The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981. It bottomed out in May at 404.
