The Associated Press reported that in U.S., the number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas increased by 27 this week to 1,985 after a big jump in Texas.

The market news is quoted as saying:

Houston-based drilling product provider Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 1,062 rigs were exploring for oil and 912 for natural gas. Eleven were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago this week the rig count stood at 1,661.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas gained 11 rigs, Louisiana six, California five, West Virginia four, North Dakota two and Arkansas and Wyoming one each.

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