Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 08–July 15, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of July 08–July 15, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) reported a robust week of activity for the period of July 08 through July 15, 2026, with a total of 256 new drilling permits issued across the state. This surge in permitting coincides with a notable uptick in commodity prices, as WTI crude closed the period at $79.72 per barrel, representing a significant increase of $8.31 over the prior close. For E&P firms and oilfield service providers, this activity signals continued confidence in the Permian Basin and surrounding regions.

Midland County continues to lead the state in development, securing the top spot with 34 new permits for the week. Reagan County followed closely with 25 permits, while Andrews, Upton, and Reeves counties rounded out the top five with 19, 16, and 13 permits, respectively. These figures underscore the ongoing operational density within the core of the Permian, where infrastructure and service demand remain high.

Operator activity remains concentrated among the industry’s major players. Diamondback E&P LLC led all operators this week with 28 permits, followed by Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. with 21. DE Central Operating, LLC also showed strong activity with 19 permits, while Apache Corporation and Mewbourne Oil Company secured 13 and 12 permits, respectively. Tracking these filings is essential for land professionals and service companies looking to identify upcoming spud activity and potential rig mobilization.

Several high-priority permits were noted across various regions during this filing window. These include Permit #917025 for Pitts Energy Co. in Ward County and Permit #917017 for Burk Royalty Co., Ltd. in Wilbarger County. Additionally, El Toro Resources LLC has signaled further development in Dimmit County with three new permits, identified as #917034, #917035, and #917036. While estimated spud dates for these specific filings are currently TBD, they represent key targets for service providers monitoring regional growth.

Staying ahead of these regulatory filings is critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the Texas oil patch. DownHole Digital provides the tools necessary to monitor these RRC permits in real time, allowing operators and service companies to visualize permit trends and track operator movements as soon as they are filed. By leveraging high-frequency data, stakeholders can better anticipate drilling programs and align their resources with the most active regions in the state. As market conditions shift and drilling intensity fluctuates, having immediate access to permit data ensures that your logistics and supply chain operations remain optimized for the latest industry developments.

To stay updated on the latest RRC permit filings and regional drilling trends, learn more at downhole.digital.