Oil patch slowdown drives double-digit drop in US rig count By Deanna B. Narveson - February 7, 2023 (iStock) FacebookTwitterLinkedinEmailPrint Driven by declines in the oil patch, the U.S. rig count tumbled 12 units lower to finish at 759 last week, according to Natural Gas Intelligence. Domestic declines for the week included 10 oil-… Already an INSIDER? Sign in.