The Texas oil and natural gas industry through July had seen a continued uptick in job growth, particularly in the Houston area, but the deadly Delta variant of Covid-19 poses near-term threats.

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An employment analysis of the upstream sector by the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) showed a net increase of 1,500 direct jobs in July. It was the third consecutive month of job growth. TIPRO previously reported that the state’s upstream employment increased by 15,800 direct jobs from July 2020 for a total of 175,100.  

“We believe the spread of the Delta coronavirus variant will impact the near-term pace of recovery to some degree, including Texas oil and natural gas job growth, but data suggests that vaccinations, natural immunity and public...