US Rig Count Edges Higher as Oil Drilling Gains for Second Week

Key Facts

Reflecting steadying drilling activity despite market volatility, the total number of active U.S. drilling rigs rose by 1 to 563 this week. According to Baker Hughes data, this growth was driven by the oil sector, which added 2 rigs for its second consecutive weekly gain to reach 433, while gas rigs fell by 3 to 121.

This marginal increase in oil drilling coincides with a significant tightening in U.S. supply, as API data reported a crude inventory draw of -9.119 million barrels on June 9, 2026. For context, Brent Crude (0RR8.L) was priced at $63.39 per barrel per market data at the close of June 11, 2026, suggesting that the slight uptick in domestic activity is being weighed against broader inventory declines.

Traders should monitor Brent Crude (0RR8.L) levels, which finished at $63.39 (close June 11, 2026) near immediate support levels. Looking forward, the continued expansion of oil rigs and upcoming OPEC policy meetings will serve as critical catalysts for energy price discovery in the coming sessions.

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