Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 06–July 13, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 06–July 13, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas oil and gas sector maintained steady momentum during the week of July 06–July 13, 2026, with the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) processing a total of 244 new drilling permits. This sustained volume reflects ongoing capital allocation strategies across the Permian Basin and South Texas, supported by a WTI crude price of $73.84 per barrel, which saw an uptick of $0.32 compared to the previous close.

Permian Basin activity continues to dominate the state’s permit landscape. Midland County led the state with 30 new permits, followed closely by Reagan County with 25 permits. Andrews County also saw significant filing activity with 18 permits, while Upton County recorded 15. In South Texas, Webb County remained a key area of interest, also securing 15 new permits for the week. For operators and oilfield service providers looking to track these movements as they happen, DownHole Digital offers real-time monitoring of RRC permit filings to ensure teams stay ahead of rig mobilization and service demand.

Operator activity during this period was led by Diamondback E&P LLC, which topped the list with 24 new permits. Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. followed with 21 permits, while DE Central Operating, LLC secured 19. Rounding out the top five most active operators for the week were Mewbourne Oil Company with 14 permits and Apache Corporation with 12. These figures highlight the continued focus of major players on optimizing their leasehold positions and maintaining inventory depth in core unconventional plays.

Beyond the high-volume operators, several specific filings were noted for their priority status this week. These include Permit #916959 for Ike Operating, LLC in Sterling County and two permits for Pitts Energy Co. in Ward County, listed as #917000 and #917004. Additionally, Basin Oil & Gas Operating, LLC filed for permit #916980 in Terry County, and Jonah Energy LLC secured permit #916972 in Dimmit County. While these specific projects currently have estimated spud dates listed as TBD, they represent essential strategic targets for regional service providers and infrastructure developers.

As the industry navigates the current pricing environment, the steady flow of permit approvals provides a clear indicator of operational intent for the coming quarter. Professionals across the E&P and land sectors rely on accurate, timely data to evaluate competitive shifts and identify emerging opportunities in the field. By leveraging comprehensive tracking tools, companies can better align their logistics and supply chain efforts with the actual pace of development in the Permian and beyond.

Learn more at downhole.digital