The number of rigs drilling for oil in the United States fell by 17, as energy companies facing lower crude prices reduced the rig count for the fourth straight week, data from oil services firm Baker Hughes showed.
The oil rig count dropped to 1,482 in the week to January 2, its lowest level since March, the data showed. The number of oil rigs has declined in nine of the past 12 weeks since hitting a record high of 1,609 in mid-October.
The number of rigs remains up more than 100 from the same time last year, when there were 1,378 rigs seeking oil.
Brent crude oil held above $51 a barrel on Thursday, supported by a surprise drop in US inventories.
