Independent Oil and Gas

Independent Oil & Gas Service, Inc. (IOGsi) is a vital source for reliable and up-to-date oil and gas news in Kansas. With a strong 79-year history in the industry, the organization provides timely and accurate well information that enables you to make informed decisions. IOGsi offers daily and weekly drilling reports, along with a 24-hour online service, ensuring you have access to dependable data whenever you need it.

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IOGsi WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS: January 29, 2026

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued 22 new drilling permits to Kansas operators during the past week. This brings the total number of new well locations this year to 40, 20 fewer permits than were posted in 2025, a 33.3% decline. Weekly highlights include:

In Kansas, 31 wells have been drilled to full depth in 2026, a significant decrease compared to 71 wells drilled in the same period in 2025, representing a % decline.
2025 Drilling Contractors, West Kansas - The top drillers in the Western Ranges of the State (1W-42W), based on the total footage drilled to full depth in 2025, includes: #1- Duke Drilling Co. (73 wells - 346,312 ft), #2- Murfin Drilling Co. (52 wells - 246,434 ft), #3- Discovery Drilling (33 wells - 122,464 ft), #4- Pickrell Drilling (27 wells - 115,478 ft), #5- Sterling Drilling (22 wells - 115,462 ft), #6- Southwind Drilling (23 wells - 89,477 ft), #7- L D Drilling (12 wells – 57,014 ft), #8- Fossil Drilling (11 wells - 50,297 ft), #9- Lighthouse Drilling (12 wells - 47,547 ft), #10- STP Drilling (10 wells - 39,541 ft), #11- Double D Drilling-KS (4 wells - 18,516 ft), and #12- White Knight Drilling (5 wells - 16,197 ft).
Currently, the number of active drilling rigs in Kansas stands at 13, six in the Eastern Region and seven in the Western Region. The count is down from 17 active rigs a year ago, a 17.7% decline.