HOUSTON (AP) — Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by 12 this week to 1,749.

The Houston-based company said in its weekly report Friday that 1,316 rigs were exploring for oil and 429 for gas. Four were listed as miscellaneous. A year ago, Baker Hughes counted 2,008 working rigs.

Recommended Stories

Van Hollen vows funding to fix air traffic control system, rejects Duffy blame

The tax revolt beneath the blue wave: Voters say ‘hands off our wallets’

Sen.-elect Scott Colom undecided in Van Hollen-Schumer race: ‘I’m in listening mode’