*Latest rig count numbers from services firm Baker Hughes show that recent Saudi gains went into reverse for June, whilst the Kuwait rig count continues to slide.
*The region’s overall rig count gave up the modest gains seen in the first quarter of this year to average 181 for Q2, just one higher than the 9-year quarterly low seen in Q4 last year (see chart 1 and MEES, 18 December 2020). As such the average figure of 184 for 1H 2021 was the lowest half-year figure since 1H 2011. (CONTINUED - 729 WORDS)
