Louisiana drilling activity declined this week, with total rig counts dropping to 43, driven by reduced onshore activity while offshore remained steady. Despite the slowdown, operators like Apex Natural Gas and Expand Energy continue to lead activity, supported by ongoing permitting that signals future drilling potential.
Oklahoma drilling activity is increasing, led by the Cana Woodford in the Anadarko Basin, as operators concentrate capital in high-performing, liquids-rich plays. Top operators like Mewbourne, Camino, and Validus are driving activity with consistent rig deployments, while less competitive areas such as the Ardmore Woodford and Mississippian remain inactive.
The Haynesville has split into two distinct geological regimes: a shallow, uniform core that enables repeatable, manufacturing-style drilling, and a deeper, more complex system that requires engineered, optimization-driven development.
Ultimately, it’s not operator strategy that defines performance in the basin—it’s the geology dictating whether success comes from execution or design.
Apex Energy is executing a factory-style Haynesville development in De Soto and Caddo Parishes by standardizing well depths around a consistent ~12,000 ft target and deploying repeatable 2–4 well pad designs to maximize efficiency. By focusing on one core zone and drilling it repeatedly with multi-rig, pad-based sequencing, the company is accelerating cycle times, lowering costs, and scaling development like a manufacturing process.
Expand Energy’s De Soto Parish program demonstrates a shift toward a distributed, moderate-density pad model targeting consistent ~22,700 ft Haynesville wells, enabling scalable and capital-efficient development. By leveraging standardized well designs, Gen 3 completions, and AI-driven optimization, the company is improving recovery, lowering breakevens, and building a repeatable “gas factory” model for long-term efficiency.
U.S. stock-index futures surged Monday after President Donald Trump said planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure would be delayed for five days following what he described as “very good and productive” talks with Iran. Reports from AP, MarketWatch, and other outlets all described a sharp improvement in risk sentiment after the announcement.
Iron Orchard Operating LLC is a small, Texas-focused oil and gas operator executing a steady-state drilling strategy centered on optimizing mature assets. With a single active rig, consistent well activity, and a measured permitting pace, the company prioritizes efficiency and predictable production over aggressive growth.
Waggoner Operating, L.L.C. ranks #32 among tracked operators and maintains a steady drilling program with two active rigs and consistent year-over-year activity. With 46 permits over the past three years and continued recent filings, the company operates a disciplined, predictable development strategy across its North Texas assets.
Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan hub have taken roughly 17% of the country’s LNG export capacity offline, removing 12.8 mtpa from global supply for an estimated three to five years. The disruption creates a structural supply shock, tightening LNG markets and increasing energy security risks for key importers in Europe and Asia.
Canadian oil & gas operators are shifting toward facility optimization to maximize existing infrastructure, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in a capital-disciplined environment. By focusing on incremental upgrades like compression, fluid handling, and throughput improvements, companies like CNRL and Peyto are unlocking new value without major new builds.
