Domestic Rigs Down By 22 To 768 HOUSTON (AP) -- The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the United States decreased this week by 22 to 768.

Of the rigs running nationwide, 174 were exploring for oil and 594 were looking for gas, Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc. reported Friday. During the same week last year, 534 rigs were operating in the United States.

Baker Hughes has kept track of the count since 1944. The tally peaked at 4,530 on Dec. 28, 1981, during the height of the oil boom but set several record lows last year, bottoming out at 498 on April 9, 1999.

Of the major oil- and gas-producing states, Oklahoma gained two rigs and Louisiana one.

Texas declined by six, Wyoming by five, California two and New Mexico one.

Alaska was unchanged.

http://www.newsday.com/ap/business/ap366.htm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), March 11, 2000