The Webster County report, as it would read on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Built right now from the sources the Monday email uses: the state well record, EIA benchmark prices, county news, and the meetings calendar. The email adds the one thing this page cannot, which is what changed since the last issue. New DEP permits and who filed them, prices and what they mean for your check, county news, and upcoming meetings.
1 wells, led by Greylock Conventional, LLC, Bucher Exploration, LLC, Columbia Natural Resources, Inc. (CNR).
What arrives
One email, Mondays, for every county you follow. Sources linked, nothing sold.
Webster County report · Monday, November 2, 2026
What changed on the record
Webster County right now: 5 permits outstanding and 1 well completed since 2025, led by Greylock Conventional, LLC and Bucher Exploration, LLC. In the email, this paragraph names the permits and completions that are new since the issue before.
Newest permits on the state record
The newest permit numbers in the county, by API number. The lease name is the surface tract named on the permit; a name there is a lead for the records, not title.
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
permits drillingStatewide
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.
Why it matters: Lower benchmark natural gas prices directly trim monthly royalty checks and can soften near-term lease bonus offers across West Virginia.
Natural Gas Futures Rebound Past $2.90 on Higher LNG Demand
Natural gas futures recovered sharply on Friday, climbing back over $2.90 after an early decline. The rebound was supported by rising feedgas demand as Cameron LNG resumed operations, countering cooler late-September weather forecasts.
Why it matters: Higher benchmark natural gas prices help support commodity pricing and royalty payouts across West Virginia producing wells.
Natural Gas Futures Fade Following Weekly Storage Report
Natural gas futures saw an initial boost following a smaller-than-expected weekly government storage injection report. The smaller build signaled tightening national gas inventories, though purchasing momentum weakened later in the trading session.
Why it matters: National natural gas futures movements directly affect regional pricing benchmarks and subsequent monthly royalty payments for West Virginia mineral owners.
Natural Gas Futures Climb Following Bullish Storage Data
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a weekly storage injection of 44 billion cubic feet, coming in below historical averages and market expectations. Natural gas futures strengthened in response to the tightening supply-demand balance. The smaller inventory build provided upward support for near-term commodity prices.
Why it matters: Higher natural gas futures prices generally support better monthly royalty payouts and strengthen drilling economics across West Virginia producing basins.
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