US rig count up 10 this week to 431

The sun rises on the North Slope between drill rigs, Nov. 6, 2012. (Creative Commons photo by Kevan Dee)
The number of rigs exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. increased by 10 this week to 431.A year ago, 862 rigs were active. Oil and gas exploration has plummeted amid depressed energy prices.
Houston oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. said Friday 341 rigs sought oil and 89 explored this week for natural gas. One was listed as miscellaneous.
Among major oil- and gas-producing