Texas Drilling Permits: Week of May 20–May 27, 2026 — RRC Activity Report
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) issued a total of 126 new drilling permits during the week of May 20–May 27, 2026, indicating continued activity across the state's oil and gas plays. This report provides a snapshot of the week's permitting landscape, highlighting key counties, operators, and notable permit filings.
Midland County led the pack with 25 permits, underscoring its continued significance in the Permian Basin. Pecos County followed with 11 permits, while Upton County saw 8 permits issued. Gaines County and Martin County rounded out the top counties, with 7 and 6 permits, respectively. This data suggests a diverse range of activity across the Permian, with operators focusing on established plays.
Diamondback E&P LLC secured the most permits this week, with 17 filings. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. followed with 9 permits, while Kinder Morgan Production Co LLC and Apache Corporation each received 8 permits. Tidal Petroleum, Inc. also demonstrated significant activity, obtaining 5 permits.
Several high-priority permits were filed this week, including Permit #915742 by Velocity Water Solutions, LP in Martin County. Other notable permits include #902085 by Firebird Energy II LLC in Midland County, #915746 by BCE-MACH III LLC in Gaines County, and two permits (#915756 and #915758) filed by Diamondback E&P LLC in Martin County. The estimated spud dates for these permits are still to be determined.
WTI crude closed at $90.66/bbl, down $5.69 from the prior close, which may influence operator decisions in the coming weeks.
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