The number of oil rigs in the U.S. decreased by 11 this week, according to data released by oilfield services company Baker Hughes on Friday.
Number of oil rigs, which indicates short-term production for near future, decreased by 11 to reach 659 for the week ending Jan. 10, from 670 in the previous week.
This marked the third consecutive weekly decline in oil rig count, according to the data.
The number of oil rigs in the U.S. is still 24.5% down year-over-year when it stood at 873 the same time a year ago.
Despite the decline in oil rig count, crude prices showed some losses on Friday as the tension between the U.S. and Iran calmed in the Middle East, where the region is home to almost half of the world's proved oil reserves and one-third of global oil production.
International benchmark Brent crude closed Friday at $64.98 per barrel with a 0.6% decrease, while American benchmark West Texas Intermediate ended the day at $59.04 a barrel with a 0.87% loss.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr