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 15, 2026

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued 11 new drilling permits to Kansas Operators during the past week. This is 21 fewer permits than were posted during the same period in January 2025, a 56.8% decline. Weekly highlights include:

In Kansas, 17 wells have been drilled to full depth in 2026, a significant decrease compared to 31 wells drilled in the same period in 2025, representing a 45.2% decline.
Top 20 Active Operators 2025, Western Ranges - The top operators in the Western Ranges of the State (1W-42W), Based on total footage drilled on completed wells in 2025, including: #1- Merit Energy Co. (19 wells - 105,441 ft), #2- Murfin Drilling Co. (14 wells - 72,798 ft), #3- BEREXCO (16 wells - 69,042 ft), #4- Shakespeare Oil Co. (13 wells – 60,563 ft), #5- American Warrior (11 wells - 53,568 ft), #6- Darrah Oil Co. (12 wells - 46,386 ft), #7- Downing – Nelson Oil Co. (10 wells - 45,287 ft), #8- Ritchie Exploration (10 wells - 44,863 ft), #9- Mai Oil Operations (11 wells - 41,341 ft), #10- Mull Drilling Co. (9 wells - 41,180 ft), #11- Patterson Energy, LLC (9 wells - 34,536 ft), #12- Grand Mesa Operating Co. (8 wells - 34,212 ft), #13- Charles N. Griffin (7 wells - 33,899 ft), #14- McCoy Petroleum Corp. (6 wells - 33,205 ft), #15- Talon Group LLC (8 wells - 33,163 ft), #16- Carmen Schmitt, Inc. (6 wells - 29,762 ft), #17- Black Oak Exploration LLC (5 wells - 24,288 ft), #18- VAL Energy (8 wells - 23,172 ft), #19- ARP Operating LLC (5 wells - 22,721 ft), and #20- Cobalt Energy LLC (5 wells - 22,280 ft).
Currently, the number of active drilling rigs in Kansas stands at 14, seven in the Eastern Region and seven in the Western Region. The count is down from 17 active rigs a year ago, a 17.6% decline.