Texas Drilling Permits: Week of May 04–May 11, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of May 04–May 11, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued a total of 133 new drilling permits during the week of May 04–May 11, 2026, signaling continued activity across the state's diverse 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.

Upton County led the pack with a significant 26 permits, followed by Midland and Martin counties, each with 16 permits. Reeves County saw 15 permits issued, and Reagan County rounded out the top five with 11 permits. This distribution highlights ongoing development in the Permian Basin, as well as other active areas across the state.

PIONEER NATURAL RES. USA, INC. and DIAMONDBACK E&P LLC tied for the most permits issued to a single operator, with each receiving 20 permits. OVINTIV USA INC. secured 11 permits, while XRI DISPOSAL HOLDINGS, LLC and VTX ENERGY OPERATING, LLC were granted 8 and 5 permits, respectively. These figures reflect the investment and operational strategies of key players in the Texas oil and gas market.

This week's highest-priority permits, all with a score of 0, were issued to BKV BARNETT, LLC in Wise County. R K PETROLEUM CORP. also received a high-priority permit in Fisher County. The estimated spud dates for these wells are yet to be determined.

With WTI crude oil trading at $98.01/bbl, up $2.93 from the prior close, the economic environment continues to support drilling activity. Staying informed about permit trends is crucial for strategic decision-making in the oil and gas sector. For real-time monitoring and detailed analysis of Texas RRC drilling permits, consider using DownHole Digital. Learn more at downhole.digital