The number of rigs around the world varies. The operation of oil rigs depends on the economic activity in a specific region or across the globe. The amount of oil in storage also matters because it signals whether the oil demand is rising or falling.
MSI Pipe Protection Technologies reports on oil rig location maps to keep industry players informed of active drilling rigs. Note that data is dynamic and only refers to rotary rigs.
Oil Rigs in North America
The oil rig locations map for North America includes active rigs in the United States and Canada. US crude oil production dropped by 8% in 2020 because of the low demand brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Crude oil production averaged 11.3 million barrels per day in 2020 compared to the record high of 12.2 million b/d in 2019.
The rigs in Texas represented 43% of the country’s crude oil production, averaging 4.87 million b/d in 2020.
Here’s a quick look at the active oil rigs in North America as of July 2021:
- Texas: 463 (current month), 461 (last month)
- Oklahoma: 136 (current month), 130 (last month)
- Louisiana: 69 (current month), 65 (last month)
- Dakota: 52 (current month), 49 (last month)
- Canada: 175 (current month), 150 (last month)
- Others: 233 (current month), 230 (last month)
The fossil fuel consumption of the United States fell by 9% in 2020 or the lowest level in 30 years.
Oil Rigs in Latin America
The oil industry in Latin America was not spared from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In June 2020, the active drilling rig map showed a sharp decline in exploration activities due to the implemented restriction in the region.
In terms of production, Brazil led the pack in 2020 with an average output of over 2.9 million b/d. Mexico was in second, posting 1.7 million b/d. Venezuela was in third with around 500,000 b/d.
The oil rig map of Latin America today shows the following:
- Argentina: 60 (current month), 53 (last month)
- Brazil: 17 (current month), 16 (last month)
- Mexico: 24 (current month), 23 (last month)
- Venezuela: 49 (current month), 54 (last month)
- Others: 103 (current month), 104 (last month)
Experts foresee increased spending for oil exploration in 2021. Upstream profitability is also expected with the backing of higher prices and stabilizing production levels.
Oil Rigs in Europe
Shale gas production in Europe still has an uncertain future due to protests in France, Poland, and other countries preventing further exploration. The United Kingdom also has an existing ban on fracking, the technique used to break natural gas and shale oil from the rocks found deep within the surface of the planet. Many countries in the region turn to the US for more affordable shale gas.
Here is the current oil rig count in the region:
- Germany: 3 (current month), 3 (last month)
- Norway: 15 (current month), 18 (last month)
- Romania: 5 (current month), 5 (last month)
- Turkey: 21 (current month), 23 (last month)
- United Kingdom: 9 (current month), 10 (last month)
- Others: 98 (current month), 95 (last month)
Europe accounts for 15% of global oil consumption. Vaccination glitches or surging cases because of new variants of the deadly coronavirus have been hampering oil demand by as much as 1 million b/d.
Oil Rigs in Africa
Nigeria was the largest oil producer in the African region at 101.4 million metric tons in 2019. Angola posted 69.1 million tons while Algeria came in third with 64.3 million metric tons.
In terms of crude oil reserves, Libya leads the pack with 48.36 billion barrels of reserves as of June 2021. Nigeria comes in second with 36.97 billion barrels of crude oil. Algeria is the third richest with 12.2 billion barrels.
Here’s a quick look at the active oil rigs in Africa as of reporting:
- Algeria: 57 (current month), 53 (last month)
- Angola: 3 (current month), 2 (last month)
- Gabon: 1 (current month), 1 (last month)
- Libya: 1 (current month), 1 (last month)
- Nigeria: 8 (current month), 8 (last month)
- Others: 75 (current month), 75 (last month)
With the right strategy and distribution, the region can make most of its considerable oil and gas resources. Experts recommend more benchmark studies to know its current infrastructure, regulations, and stakeholder engagements.
Oil Rigs in the Middle East
Oil and gas are still among the central elements of the economies in the Middle East despite the efforts to diversify. The region is still the second most active in terms of oil drilling countries. Five of the top 10 oil-producing nations are in the region and are responsible for 27% of the global crude oil production.
Here is the current oil rig count in the region:
- Egypt: 27 (current month), 23 (last month)
- Iraq: 51 (current month), 51 (last month)
- Kuwait: 56 (current month), 55 (last month)
- Oman: 54 (current month), 54 (last month)
- Saudi Arabia: 119 (current month), 119 (last month)
- Others: 151 (current month), 154 (last month)
The oil-producing countries in the region are now taking advantage of the recovering prices following the slump because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are selling stakes while valuations of assets are good. They are raising cash without giving up control of their enterprise.
Oil Rigs in Asia
Experts see the future global developments will be Asia-centric. As energy transition happens, they do not see oil exploration and refinery operations slowing down anytime soon. Demand for petrochemicals will also shoot up close to 600 million tons by 2050.
The oil rig map of Asia today shows the following:
- Australia: 12 (current month), 15 (last month)
- China: 20 (current month), 20 (last month)
- India: 110 (current month), 116 (last month)
- Indonesia: 22 (current month), 20 (last month)
- Others: 91 (current month), 86 (last month)
Amid the pandemic, major players like China and India drive recovery. Oil demand in Asia will increase by 1.7 million b/d this year with the two countries accounting for 70% of the growth.
Keep Your Oil Rig Operations Profitable Using MSI Pipe Protection
MSI Pipe Protection Technologies plays a vital supporting role in the oil and natural gas sector. MSI provides top-quality pipe protection products that do not only protect the assets of oil producers but also ensure the workforce and the environment where they operate remain safer.
To know more about our products and services, contact MSI today.
