The Zacks Oil and Gas - Drilling industry is navigating a softer backdrop as operators scale back near-term spending and delay contracts, leaving rig demand uneven and pricing under pressure. Activity is also challenged by rising complexity: deeper wells, longer laterals, and tighter environmental standards are pushing costs higher and squeezing margins. Offshore markets show more volatility, while onshore trends remain steadier but cautious. Still, not everything tilts negative. Deepwater demand is gradual ...