Jefferson County report · Monday, November 2, 2026
What changed on the record
Jefferson County right now: 0 permits outstanding and 0 wells completed since 2025. In the email, this paragraph names the permits and completions that are new since the issue before.
Prices, week over week
- Henry Hub gas averaged $3.10 per MMBtu in the week of October 9, 2026, up 0.05 from $3.05 the week before. The September 2026 average, which most statements for that month follow, was $2.95.
- WTI oil averaged $96.88 per barrel in the week of October 9, 2026, down 1.19 from $98.07 the week before. The September 2026 average, which most statements for that month follow, was $97.31.
A benchmark is not your royalty price. West Virginia gas sells below Henry Hub and statements lag one to two months. The prices page explains each big move; the email carries that week’s explanation.
In the news
Marcellus and Utica Rig Count Holds Steady at 33 as National Activity Rises
Drilling activity across the Marcellus and Utica shale plays held unchanged at 33 active rigs for the third straight week through September 18. Meanwhile, the nationwide rig count rose by four to reach 595, setting a new 52-week high. Domestic oil and natural gas prices supported overall growth nationally, while Appalachian operators maintained disciplined production levels.
Why it matters: A flat regional rig count indicates steady but cautious drilling activity, directly influencing when leased acreage gets drilled and generates royalty income.
Natural Gas Futures Decline Amid Mild Fall Weather and Export Facility Downtime
Natural gas commodity prices dropped heading into late September as cooling weather softened residential demand across major markets. Planned annual maintenance at export facilities like Cove Point LNG is also temporarily curbing takeaway capacity. The shift points toward larger inventory additions in storage ahead of the winter heating season.