April 15, 2026 — International Rig Count Drops 54 in March as Middle East Conflict Disrupts Drilling.
Monthly Baker Hughes International Report
The international rig count fell 54 to 1,058 in March 2026, driven by a significant 38-rig decline in the Middle East. The region's total dropped to 500 rigs from 538 in February, reflecting disruptions from the U.S.-Iran conflict affecting drilling operations across Iraq, Kuwait, and parts of the UAE.
Asia-Pacific lost 17 rigs to 190, while Europe and Africa each shed 2 rigs (to 124 and 101 respectively). Latin America was the only region to gain, adding 5 rigs to reach 143 — led by deepwater activity in Brazil and shale development in Argentina's Vaca Muerta basin.
By drill type, oil rigs fell 49 to 726 while gas rigs rose 4 to 288, suggesting a shift in exploration priorities. Worldwide (including North America), the total rig count stood at approximately 1,791, down 94 from the prior period.