The oil rig count in U.S. decreased 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, fell by 19 to reach 664 for the week ending March 20, from 683 the previous week.
This marked the first weekly decline in the oil rig count after two consecutive weekly increases, the data showed.
The number of oil rigs in the country is still 19%, or 160, less than the same time a year ago when it stood at 824.
At Friday's close, international benchmark Brent crude stood at $27.38 per barrel with a 3.8% daily loss, while American benchmark West Texas Intermediate ended the day at $23.66 a barrel with a 8.7% decrease.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr