U.S. active rig count up by 14

The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 14 this week to 553. A year ago, 787 rigs were active. Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday that 443 rigs sought oil and 108 explored for natural gas this week. Two were listed as miscellaneous. The U.S. rig count peaked at 4,530 in 1981.