Drilling activity in Oklahoma over the last 30 days is highly concentrated in Western core areas, particularly the Cana Woodford and Anadarko Basin, rather than being spread statewide. A small group of operators is driving this activity, focusing on proven, high-return zones that support efficient, repeatable drilling programs.
A drone strike on a Kuwait-flagged oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz highlights escalating Middle East tensions and growing risks to global energy supply chains. The conflict has already driven oil prices above $100 per barrel and pushed U.S. gasoline prices past $4 per gallon, underscoring the potential for further market disruption.
Delaware Basin Steady State Operators are the most consistent and programmatic drillers, maintaining continuous rig activity, steady permitting, and balanced development across multiple years. They represent the most reliable and capital-disciplined segment of the basin, driving predictable long-term demand for oilfield services and technology.
Oil prices surged to multi-year highs, with Brent nearing $115 per barrel, as escalating Middle East conflict raised concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. The rally reflects growing geopolitical risk, with markets closely watching tanker traffic, export rerouting, and potential U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Permian Resources is executing a highly efficient, multi-pad Wolfcamp development strategy in the Delaware Basin, combining lower drilling costs (~$7.25/ft), optimized completions, and stacked co-development to maximize capital efficiency. Real-world cadence data confirms a tightly coordinated cycle from permitting to production, with fast drilling timelines, phased pad development, and rapid facility deployment.
Ovintiv’s Mohawk project in Martin County represents a highly structured, multi-pad Spraberry development with improving drilling efficiency and a tightly coordinated transition from permitting to production. The program reflects a repeatable Permian model, combining standardized well design, dedicated rigs, and rapid facility deployment within a ~30–45–113 day development cycle.
Meta has increased its investment in a new El Paso, Texas data center to $10 billion, aiming to deliver 1 GW of AI compute capacity by 2028. The project highlights the intensifying AI infrastructure race, with a focus on renewable energy use, water efficiency, and large-scale job creation.
Oil prices dipped slightly as Trump extended a pause on attacks against Iran, easing immediate supply fears but leaving markets cautious amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Despite the temporary relief, the conflict has already removed significant global supply, while additional LNG disruptions in Australia are adding further pressure to energy markets.
Occidental Petroleum CEO Vicki Hollub is expected to step down later in 2026 after more than a decade leading the company, with COO Richard Jackson likely to succeed her. The transition marks the end of a transformative era defined by the Anadarko acquisition and could signal a shift toward greater operational discipline and shareholder-focused strategy.
Canada’s Trans Mountain pipeline is running near full capacity for April, reaching high-90% utilization as global supply disruptions—particularly in the Middle East—drive increased demand from Asian buyers. The rapid ramp-up from just 84% utilization last summer highlights tightening export capacity and may accelerate expansion and optimization efforts as oil sands production continues to grow.
