U.S. energy firms last week added oil and natural gas rigs for an eighth week in a row as high prices and prodding by the federal government prompted drillers to return to the wellpad. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, rose nine to 714 in the week to May 13, its highest since March 2020, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said in its closely followed report on Friday. Baker Hughes said that puts the total rig count up 261, or 58%, over this time last year. U.S. oil rigs rose six to 563 this week, their highest level since March 2020, while gas rigs gained three to 149, their highest ... (full story)