The U.S. oil and gas industry saw a slight dip in drilling activity last week, as Baker Hughes reported a one-rig decline, bringing the total national rig count to 592. This marks the first reduction after five consecutive weeks of additions, signaling a potential stabilization in drilling activity.
As of this year, a total of 120 wells have been drilled by Cactus rigs.
Patterson Drilling has had an active year in the U.S. so far, with a total of 440 wells drilled across multiple states. Patterson Drilling continues to play a vital role in U.S. oil and gas development, with its strongest presence in the Permian, Williston, and Appalachian basins. With Chevron and Mewbourne Oil leading the way in activity and Eddy County emerging as the most drilled region, the company remains a key contributor to the industry’s momentum in 2025.
ExxonMobil’s expansion in the Permian Basin took center stage during CERAWeek 2025, where executives highlighted how technology is reshaping operations to maximize efficiency and production. Following its 2024 acquisition of Pioneer Resources, ExxonMobil has solidified its position as the largest producer in the Permian Basin, with 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd)—accounting for over 16% of the basin’s total production.
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues its rapid expansion, one major challenge has emerged—powering the data centers that fuel its growth. AI-driven applications require immense computing power, and as a result, energy consumption has skyrocketed. Recognizing this need, Chevron, in collaboration with GE Vernova and Engine No. 1, is making a strategic move to supply natural gas-powered energy to AI data centers across the United States.
The Permian Basin continues to see significant shifts in ownership as oil and gas operators refine their asset portfolios. One such transaction involves Scout Energy Management LLC, which has acquired multiple production facilities from ConocoPhillips in Pecos and Reeves counties, Texas. As part of this transition, regulatory filings for air permits have been submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) under an Air New Source Review (NSR) Change of Ownership.
The oil and gas industry remains a powerhouse in the U.S. economy, offering some of the highest wages in the country. According to the latest State of Energy Report from the Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), oil and gas workers earned an average annual salary of $227,000 in 2024—an increase of $4,389 from 2023.
BP is doubling down on its U.S. natural gas production, particularly in the Haynesville Basin, as domestic gas prices surge. CEO Murray Auchincloss, speaking at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, highlighted the company’s renewed focus on oil and gas, marking a strategic pivot from its previous emphasis on renewable energy.
The Permian Basin continues to solidify its role as the driving force behind U.S. oil and gas production. With rising natural gas and NGL output exceeding expectations, midstream companies are ramping up investments in infrastructure to meet growing demand. Enterprise Products Partners LP, a leading midstream operator, is taking a strategic approach to expansion, focusing on pipeline investments, LNG and LPG exports, and securing fee-based revenue to ensure long-term stability.
Accurate Daily Drilling Reports (DDR) are essential for optimizing drilling operations, tracking costs, and ensuring project efficiency. However, a variety of challenges persist in the way DDRs are recorded, standardized, and used for decision-making. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common pitfalls in DDR reporting and how companies can improve their data collection and cost tracking.
