US oil rig count falls by seven for week ending Jan. 3

ANKARA

The number of oil rigs in the U.S. decreased by seven this week, according to data released by oilfield services company Baker Hughes on Friday.

The number of oil rigs, which indicates short-term production for the near future, decreased by eight to reach 670 for the week ending Jan. 3, from 677 in the previous week.

This marked the second decline in oil rig count after two consecutive weekly increases, according to the data.

With the decline in oil rig count, crude prices showed some gains on Friday.

International benchmark Brent crude closed Friday at $66.25 per barrel, while American benchmark West Texas Intermediate ended the day at $63.03 a barrel.