Drilling in the Barnett Shale slowed this week as active rigs declined by four to 36 after advancing for three straight weeks. Activity remains concentrated in parts of the field with more oil and natural gas liquids, led by Wise County with nine rigs and Montague with seven, followed by Tarrant with four, and Johnson, Stephens and Jack counties with three each.
Nationally, the rig count slipped by five to 1,759, the first decline in three weeks. Rigs seeking crude oil were down two to 1,330, and rigs seeking gas were down three to 425, according to Baker Hughes Inc. in Houston. A year ago, there were 1,989 active rigs.Tim Evans, an energy analyst at Citi Futures Perspective, told Bloomberg News that gas drilling "has basically stabilized around this 425- to 430-rig level."-- Jim FuquayHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
