Exploratory drilling activity in the Texas Panhandle declined from the preceding year with 63 exploratory wells drilled in 1953, compared with 73 wells in 1952. Of the 27 new-field wildcats, two resulted in gas-field discoveries. Substantial extensions were made to several fields, with the most notable extensions in the Quinduno field.

In the Oklahoma Panhandle the exploratory drilling activities increased from 34 wells in 1952 to 48 wells in 1953. Of 13 new-field wildcats, 5 were completed as discovery wells. In addition there were two successful new-pool wildcats.

Field development activities numbered 636 in the Texas Panhandle, and 96% were successful. As to field development wells in the Oklahoma Panhandle, there were 142 wells, and 91% were completed for oil or gas.

Oil and gas production declined in the Texas Panhandle in 1953 as compared with 1952.

Geophysical activities lessened in the Panhandle areas in 1953 from the previous year. Leasing activity likewise decreased.