Texas operators applied for more oil and gas drilling permits during March than a year earlier, with the Permian Basin still the go-to place for activity, according to state regulators. 

Drilling Permits

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) said it issued 798 original drilling permits last month, versus 744 in March 2020. 

Last month, the RRC issued 682 permits to drill new oil or gas wells. There also were 13 permits issued to re-enter plugged well bores. In addition, 99 permits were approved for recompleting existing well bores.

Permits to drill new wells were highest in RRC District 8, headquartered in Midland, which is the heart of the Permian. Midland staff approved 379 new oil and gas wells during March. Midland also reported the most well completions, with 428 oil and 65 natural...