U.S. energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for a second week in a row for the first time since mid-January, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Thursday. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by three to 621 in the week to March 28. Baker Hughes released its North American rig count a day earlie4r than usual due to the Good Friday holiday. The total count was down 134 rigs, or 18% below this time last year, according to the company.29dk2902l Baker Hughes said oil rigs fell three to 506 this week, while gas rigs ... (full story)