2026 is shaping up as one of the strongest Western Canada drilling starts of the past three years, with wells drilled in the first 90 days materially exceeding both 2024 and 2025.
Driven by a sharp acceleration in Alberta activity, increased drilling by major operators like Cenovus and CNRL, and renewed momentum in core field centers such as Bonnyville, Grande Prairie, and Fort McMurray, early-year execution points to a stronger full-year outlook.

According to the latest Baker Hughes Rig Count, Oklahoma held flat at 43 active drilling rigs, unchanged from the prior week. While the national rig count declined, Oklahoma’s major plays showed no movement — a signal that operators are maintaining base-level drilling programs rather than expanding activity.

WTI settled at $60.69 and Henry Hub surged to $5.96 as the U.S. rig count increased by one to 544, with Louisiana’s total rig count ticking up to 44 rigs. Haynesville activity strengthened with North Louisiana rising to 30 rigs and five new wells, while South Louisiana declined to six rigs and no new offshore permits were issued.