The oil rig count in U.S. increased this week, according to the latest data released Friday by oilfield services company Baker Hughes.
The number of oil rigs, an indicator of short-term production in the country, rose by one to reach 683 for the week ending March 13, from 682 the previous week.
This marked the second week in a row that the oil rig count in the U.S. showed an increase.
However, the number of oil rigs in the country is still 18%, or 150, less than the same time a year ago when it stood at 853.
At Friday's close, international benchmark Brent crude stood at $34.72 per barrel with a 4.5% daily gain, while American benchmark West Texas Intermediate ended the day at $32.97 a barrel with a 4.6% increase.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr