The number of active oil and gas drilling rigs in the United States rose slightly in the week ending Friday, November 6, 2026, according to Baker Hughes data reported by OilPrice.com. In the same week, benchmark crude oil prices fell sharply. Crude is the main raw material for gasoline, so drivers may want to follow these trends, though the report does not give any pump prices or say how this week's moves might affect them.
What happened to oil prices
On Friday, November 6, Brent crude was trading at $97.32 per barrel, down 0.99% on the day and about $20 per barrel lower than a week earlier, according to the report. Brent is the main international oil price benchmark.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the main US crude benchmark, was trading at $90.00 per barrel on the same day. That was down 0.57% on the day and roughly $14 per barrel lower than a week earlier, the report said.
The report calls the decline a crash but does not explain what caused it. It also offers no forecast for where crude or gasoline prices may go next.
The rig count
Baker Hughes put the total US rig count at 604 this week. That is 56 more than at the same time last year.
Oil and gas rigs
Oil rigs rose by 1 to 463, which is 49 more than a year ago. Gas rigs also rose by 1, to 131, which is 3 more than a year ago. Miscellaneous rigs fell by 1 to 10.
Key producing regions
In the Permian Basin, the active rig count rose by 1 to 273, which is 22 rigs above a year earlier. The Eagle Ford count was unchanged at 50, which is 8 more than at this time last year.
Record US crude production
The latest data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed weekly US crude oil production reached a new record. In the week ending October 30, output was 14.003 million barrels per day, according to the report. That was up from 13.992 million barrels per day the previous week and 352,000 barrels per day higher than a year earlier.
Fewer crews completing wells
Primary Vision's Frac Spread Count estimates how many crews are completing wells. It fell for a third straight week in the week ending October 30. It lost 3 crews to reach 191, the report said. That is still 16 more than a year earlier.
What this means for drivers
Taken together, the report shows US drilling activity and crude output running above year-ago levels, while crude prices fell steeply over the week. The report does not include retail gasoline prices or national averages. It does not say whether, when or by how much the drop in crude might reach the pump.
Based on reporting by OilPrice.com, published November 6, 2026. Gas prices change quickly and vary by station.