The U.S. rig count increased for the first time this year as the nation added 14 oil rigs and one gas rig, according to weekly data from Baker Hughes Co. This week’s additions offset last week’s loss of 15 rigs and puts the U.S.’ total number of active rigs at 796. This is 254 fewer than the count of 1,050 one year ago. Texas added five rigs, more than any other state this week. Alaska, New Mexico and North Dakota each tacked on three rigs, while Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming added one rig apiece. Louisiana idled one rig this week. Among the major basins, the Permian added the most rigs, at six. The Permian currently has 403 active rigs, accounting for more than half of the nation’s total. The Eagle Ford and Williston added two rigs apiece and the Ardmore Woodford added one unit. The Granite Wash idled one […]