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.

Interested individuals are encouraged to register as “New User” to take advantage of a free 30-day trial with no obligations.

IOGsi WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS: October 15, 2026

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) issued 16 new drilling permits to Kansas oil and gas operators this past week. That brings the year-to-date total to 624 new well locations—80 more permits than were posted by this time last year, a 14.7% increase.

A total of 613 wells have been drilled to full depth in Kansas in 2026. This is 91 fewer wells than were reported during the same period a year ago, a 13% decline.
Kansas currently has 19 active drilling rigs: eight in the Eastern Ranges and 11 in the Western Ranges. This is four more than a week ago. One year ago, 17 rigs were active, a gain of 11.8%. A total of 49 rigs are sitting in yards, waiting to be assigned a location.
Overall oilfield activity in Kansas has declined by an average of 15% compared with the same time last year. The number of wildcat exploratory wells drilled in 2026 now totals 75, down from 82 a year ago, an 8.5% decline. Wildcat exploratory wells now account for 12.3% of all wells drilled this year.
Kansas 4th District candidates Ron Estes (R), Katy Tyndell (D), and Drew Cranmer (L) will be featured guests at the Congressional Energy Forum luncheon on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm at the Ninth Floor Club, 100 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS. Hosted by the Kansas Geological Society, the event will be moderated by Michael Schwanke, KWCH News. The discussion will explore how federal energy policy directly affects Kansans and the economic realities of domestic exploration and production.