Natural Gas Rigs Down 4

The U.S. energy rig count fell by three to 1,653, the first decline in 13 weeks, according to data published by Baker Hughes Inc. Oil rigs fell by seven to 665, and natural-gas rigs increased by four to 977.

The total U.S. count has gained 64 percent in the past year, Baker Hughes reported on itswebsite.

The number of oil rigs fell for the first time in seven weeks. The total has more than doubled in the past year.

Gas rigs gained for the first time in three weeks. The count has gained 39 percent in a year.

Miscellaneous rigs, which primarily drill for geothermal energy, were unchanged from last week at 11.

Canadian rigs rose to 388 from 386. The total has more than doubled in the past year.

Crude oil for October delivery fell $1.29, or 1.7 percent, to $73.73 a barrel at 1:27 p.m. on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

Gas for October delivery increased 9.9 cents, or 2.7 percent, to $3.85 per million British thermal units on the Nymex.