Texas Drilling Permits: Week of April 28–May 05, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued 182 new drilling permits during the week of April 28–May 05, 2026, signaling continued activity across the state's oil and gas sector. This report provides a snapshot of the week's key trends, highlighting active counties, leading operators, and specific permit details.
Midland County led the pack with 22 permits, demonstrating its continued importance as a core area for drilling activity. Pecos and Atascosa counties followed, each with 12 permits, while Reeves County saw 10 permits issued. Reagan County rounded out the top counties with 9 permits. These figures reflect the ongoing exploration and development efforts across various Texas basins.
Several operators demonstrated significant activity during the week. OVINTIV USA INC. and KINDER MORGAN PRODUCTION CO LLC each secured 16 permits, indicating their commitment to expanding their operations. EOG RESOURCES, INC. obtained 11 permits, while APACHE CORPORATION secured 9. TRIPLE CROWN RESOURCES, LLC also showed notable activity, with 7 permits issued.
The highest-priority permits, as indicated by the RRC, included several in Harrison and Culberson counties. RFE OPERATING, LLC received permits #915166, #915164, and #915165 in Harrison County, and CAPITAN ENERGY, INCORPORATED received permit #915170 in Culberson County. ZARVONA ENERGY LLC received permit #915154 in Jasper County. The estimated spud dates for these permits are yet to be determined.
WTI crude closed at $104.44/bbl, down $0.63 from the prior close. This price movement can influence operator decisions, and it's essential to monitor these trends alongside permit activity.
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