The total number of active drilling rigs for oil and gas in the United States rose this week, bringing the count to 573, up 26 from the same time last year. Oil rigs increased by 7 to 440, while gas rigs rose by 3 to 125, and miscellaneous rigs held steady at 8. Weekly US crude oil production averaged 13.819 million barrels per day, up from 13.806 million last week and 384,000 barrels per day higher than a year ago. The frac spread count remained at 192 crews. In the Permian Basin, rigs rose by 2 to 258, still 12 below year-ago levels, while the Eagle Ford held at 44, three more than last year. Oil prices fell sharply, with Brent trading at $71.90 per barrel, down 4.46%, and WTI at $69.43, down 3.82%.