Carlton Carroll | 202.682.8114 | carrollc@api.org

WASHINGTON, July 15, 2011 – Oil well drilling activity increased in the second quarter 2011. According to API’s 2011 Quarterly Well Completion Report: Second Quarter, an estimated 6,595 oil wells were drilled in the second quarter of 2011. Overall, an estimated 10,939 oil wells, natural gas wells and dry holes were completed, up 14 percent from 2010’s second quarter and up 46 percent from 2009’s second quarter. 

"Today’s report shows that the oil and natural gas industry is ready and willing to make investments and create jobs right here in America," said Hazem Arafa, director of API’s statistics department.  "With the right public policies to allow more access to our vast domestic energy resources, the industry can do even more to help solve our jobs and deficit problems all while increasing our energy security."

API also reported total estimated footage of 83,093,000 feet drilled in the second quarter of 2011. 

API represents more than 470 oil and natural gas companies, leaders of a technology-driven industry that supplies most of America’s energy, supports more than 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $86 million in revenue to our government every day, and, since 2000, has invested nearly $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives. 

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The 2011 API Quarterly Well Completion Report is available for an annual subscription through API’s primary distributor, Information Handling Services (IHS). If you would like to purchase an annual subscription to this report, please contact IHS at 1-800-854-7179, or visit their website at www.global.ihs.com.