U.S. rig count unchanged; La. down 4

HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. remained unchanged this week at 1,864.

Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday that 1,413 rigs were exploring for oil and 448 were searching for gas. Three were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, Baker Hughes listed 1,985 rigs.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Texas gained nine rigs, Colorado gained three and Oklahoma gained two.

California and Louisiana each lost four rigs; New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming each lost three; and Pennsylvania lost one.

Alaska, Arkansas and West Virginia were unchanged.