U.S. GULF OF MEXICO RIG COUNT CLIMBS TO 38.9 PCT Utilization of offshore mobile rigs in the Gulf of Mexico climbed by 2.1 pct last week to 38.9 pct, reflecting a total of 91 working rigs, Offshore Data Services said. One year ago, the Gulf of Mexico utilization rate was 32.5 pct. Offshore Data Services said some drilling contractors had reported recent increases of about 1,000 dlrs a day on large jackup rigs, which now command rates of 11,000 to 12,000 dlrs a day. In the European/Mediterranean area the rig utilization rate rose 0.6 pct to 53.6 pct, against 67.3 pct one year ago. Worldwide rig utilization rose by 1.2 pct to 57.7 pct, reflecting a net increase of eight working rigs. Offshore Data Services said a total of 419 rigs were in use worldwide and 307 were idled last week.