Texas Drilling Permits: Week of September 10–September 17, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

Texas Drilling Permits: Week of September 10–September 17, 2026 — RRC Activity Report

The Texas Railroad Commission recorded 363 new drilling permits for the week of September 10–September 17, 2026, reflecting steady operator activity across the state's core producing basins despite a softer crude price environment. WTI crude settled at $100.75 per barrel, down $0.64 from the prior close, though permitting volume shows operators remain committed to development programs in the Permian Basin and South Texas.

Martin County led all counties with 49 new permits, followed closely by Lea County with 45 and Eddy County with 35. Loving County rounded out the top tier of Permian Basin activity with 30 permits, while Webb County posted 22 permits, underscoring continued interest in South Texas acreage. Overall, the Permian Basin accounted for 80 permits this week, reinforcing its position as the primary driver of Texas drilling activity even as commodity prices fluctuate.

On the operator side, Diamondback E&P LLC topped the list with 38 permits, signaling an active development push across its Permian holdings. Devon Energy Production Company, LP followed with 20 permits, and Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc. filed 18. Kaiser-Francis Oil Co and Silver Hill Energy Operating LLC rounded out the top five with 15 and 13 permits, respectively. Together, these five operators accounted for a significant share of total permitting activity, highlighting continued consolidation of drilling programs among established Permian and South Texas players.

Among this week's filings, several high-priority permits stood out for land and operations teams tracking new acreage positions. Formentera Operations LLC filed permit #918467 in Frio County, while Fasken Oil and Ranch, Ltd. filed four consecutive permits — #918517, #918518, #918519, and #918520 — all in Webb County. Estimated spud dates for these permits remain to be determined, but their filing volume suggests Fasken is positioning for a multi-well program in the area.

For E&P teams, land professionals, and oilfield service providers, permit data remains one of the earliest signals of where capital and rig activity are headed next. Tracking county-level trends, such as Martin and Lea County's continued dominance, alongside operator-level filings from companies like Diamondback and Devon, helps service companies position equipment and personnel ahead of demand shifts. DownHole Digital monitors RRC permit filings in real time, giving operators, landmen, and service providers early visibility into where new activity is concentrating across Texas basins.

As WTI prices hover near the $100 mark, permit volume this week suggests operators are maintaining development pace rather than pulling back, particularly in Martin, Lea, and Eddy counties. Continued monitoring of weekly RRC data will be essential for anticipating rig moves, service demand, and acreage competition in the weeks ahead.

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