In Western Canada the oil-directed rig count increased by six this week, to 113 active rigs, which is 32% higher than the prior 10-year high for this time of year, while the gas-directed rig count increased by one to 54 rigs this week, in line with the prior five-year high for this time of year.
In Western Canada the oil-directed rig count jumped by another 22 rigs (+26%) this week, to 107 active rigs, which is 51% higher than the prior ten-year high for this time of year set in 2024, while the gas-directed rig count rose by five to 53 active rigs, 10 rigs higher than at this time last y
Western Canada’s active oil-directed rig count jumped by 11 rigs for the week ending May 22, to 85 rigs, eclipsing 69 rigs that were active at this time last year, which was the prior five-year high for this time of year, according to Baker Hughes data.
Baker Hughes' Canadian rig count for the week ending Friday May 15 showed the gas-directed active rig count rise by one last week to 48 (vs. 47 this time last year). while the oil-directed active rig count dropped by one to 74 rigs, but is still two rigs above the level a year ago, which was the prior five-year high for this time of year.
The active oil and gas rig count in Western Canada was flat for the week ending April 24 according to Baker Hughes data. The active oil rig count gained one rig, with 76 rigs active last week, compared to 80 active rigs at this time last year. The active gas rig count fell by one rig to 52 rigs last week, compared to 47 rigs active this time last year. It looks like both rig counts will see higher spring break-up lows this year compared to 2025. The active oil rig count in Northeastern Alberta remains well above April highs from the past fifteen years.
The Western Canadian rig count fell by 5 rigs for the week ending April 17, according to Baker Hughes data. The gas-directed rig count was up 1 to 53 rigs (blue line in left-hand chart below), while the oil-directed rig count was down 6 to 75 rigs (red line in right-hand chart below). After following last year's rig count quite closely so far in 2026, the gas-directed rig count has recently plateaued and is now ahead of this time last year by 6 rigs, while the oil-directed rig count was 6 rigs below this time last year, and continued its typical decline during spring break-up season.
Refineries, petrochemical plants, an LNG export terminal and other large industrial water consumers in the bone-dry Corpus Christi area may be forced to significantly reduce their water consumption over the next few months if — as now seems very possible — the city declares a water emergency this spring or summer.
For the week ending April 10, Baker Hughes reported that the Western Canadian gas-directed rig count fell by 2 rigs week-over-week, to 52 active rigs (blue line in left-hand side chart below), up 5 vs. this time in 2025, and down 19 vs. this time in 2024, which was the prior five-year seasonal high. The Western Canadian oil-directed rig count dropped by 5 week-over-week to 81 active rigs (red line in right-hand side chart below), down 9 vs. this time last year, which was the prior five-year high. The rate of decline of both rig counts is slowing, as we are likely nearing the seasonal trough in rig counts.
For the week ending Thursday April 2, 2026, Baker Hughes reported that the Western Canadian gas-directed rig count fell by 4 rigs week-over-week, to 54 active rigs (flat year-over-year, 21 below the prior five-year high for this time of year), while the Western Canadian oil-directed rig count dropped by 7 week-over-week to 86 active rigs (down 12 vs. this time last year, which was the prior five-year high). Seasonally expected reductions to rig counts continued as "spring break-up" season takes hold. Active rigs in Northeast Alberta targeting horizontal oil wells (SAGD and other heavy oil targets) have not yet begun typical spring break-up declines, with the active rig count in that area holding up at 40 rigs.
For the week ending March 27, 2026, Baker Hughes reported that the Western Canadian gas-directed rig count fell by 5 rigs week-over-week, to 58 active rigs (blue line and text in left hand chart below), while the Western Canadian oil-directed rig count dropped by 19 week-over-week to 93 active rigs (red line and text in right hand chart below). At 58 rigs, the gas-directed rig count is 4 higher than this time last year, but well below the prior five-year high for this time of year of 81 in 2023, while the oil-directed rig count is 14 lower than at this time in 2025, which was the previous five-year high for this time of year. Rig counts in Western Canada tend to decline this time of year, especially oil-directed rig counts, as "spring break-up" season gets underway. Despite very strong oil prices, unseasonably warm weather through much of February and March has likely triggered a relatively early spring break-up season for oil drilling.
