Texas Drilling Permits: Week of April 10–April 17, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued a total of 206 new drilling permits during the week of April 10–April 17, 2026, signaling continued activity across the state's oil and gas plays. This report provides a snapshot of the week's permitting landscape, offering valuable insights for E&P companies, land professionals, and oilfield service providers.
Midland County led the pack with 32 permits issued, followed by Upton County with 21. Reeves County saw 15 permits approved, while Martin County and Karnes County registered 14 and 10 permits, respectively. These figures highlight the ongoing focus on the Permian Basin, where Midland, Upton, Reeves, and Martin Counties are located, and the continued activity in the Eagle Ford Shale, where Karnes County is located.
Diamondback E&P LLC secured the most permits during the week, with a total of 41. COG Operating LLC followed with 17 permits. DE Central Operating, LLC, Triple Crown Resources, LLC, and Anadarko E&P Onshore LLC were also active, receiving 11, 9, and 8 permits, respectively.
Several permits were flagged as high-priority, including permits issued to R2Q OPERATING LLC in Wichita County (Permit #914688 and #914700), and one issued to BAYSWATER OPERATING COMPANY LLC in Howard County (Permit #914689). FIREBIRD ENERGY II LLC received a permit in Midland County (Permit #914722), and SM ENERGY COMPANY was issued a permit in Howard County (Permit #914729). The estimated spud dates for these permits are still to be determined.
WTI crude closed at $90.22/bbl, down $8.86 from the prior close, which may influence future drilling plans.
For real-time monitoring of RRC permit activity, including the latest permit data and analysis, consider using DownHole Digital. Learn more at downhole.digital