Texas Drilling Permits: Week of April 22–April 29, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued 62 new drilling permits during the week of April 22–April 29, 2026, signaling continued activity across the state's oil and gas sector. This report provides a snapshot of the week's key permitting trends, offering valuable insights for E&P companies, land professionals, and oilfield service providers.
Loving County led the pack with a significant 14 permits issued, highlighting continued interest in the Permian Basin. San Augustine County saw 5 permits, while Martin, Reeves, and Pecos counties followed with 4 and 3 permits, respectively. This distribution indicates a diverse range of activity across different geological plays within Texas.
ADMIRAL PERMIAN OPERATING LLC secured the most permits during the week, with 7 approved. BPX OPERATING COMPANY followed closely with 6 permits, demonstrating their commitment to ongoing drilling programs. ROCKCLIFF ENERGY OPERATING III obtained 5 permits, while RFE OPERATING, LLC and OXYROCK OPERATING, LLC each secured 3 permits.
The week's highest-priority permits, as indicated by the RRC, include several projects with a score of 0, implying a high degree of interest. DIAMONDBACK E&P LLC received a permit in Midland County (Permit #899040). NORTHSTAR RESOURCES, LLC secured permits in Reeves County (Permit #914994 and #914996). DEVON ENERGY PRODUCTION CO, L.P. received permits in Karnes County (Permit #914998 and #914995). The estimated spud dates for these wells are currently listed as "TBD."
With WTI crude oil prices closing at $100.59/bbl, up $6.19 from the prior close, the economic incentives for drilling remain strong. Staying informed about these permit trends is crucial for strategic planning and resource allocation. For real-time monitoring and comprehensive permit data, consider DownHole Digital, a service that provides up-to-the-minute information on Texas drilling permits. learn more at downhole.digital