Lowest royalty check

Just got my March royalty check, and even though the volume was higher than the past 2 years, the price was about a third of the “normal” price, so my check was about1/3 of what it usually is. Has anyone noticed this? Thinking of what the prices of gas is today, why would the price “go down” now? Thanks for any info..

What state/county are your minerals, and is your check mostly oil or mostly natural gas and plant products / NGLs? Royalty checks stemming mostly from natural gas wells are probably down in realized price coming off the winter months, while March oil well royalties are getting the realized price bump the Iran conflict kicked up.

Also, double check the production date of those higher volumes. Some checks can include volumes for several months, all in one check.

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Gasoline is refined out of oil and pricing moves with oil prices. Natural gas is processed to remove ethane, butane, propane, iso-propane and those products are sold separately from the remaining ‘dry’ gas. May be called products or NGL - natural gas liquids - on your check detail.

I Absolutely know this. I monitor this monthly, and this last check was atrocious :frowning: . All gas’s companies had their fuel below 2.80 per.

I read somewhere maybe here, that the gas companies that pay us have certain type contracts they bargain for ?.. I’m no expert but I’m sure someone more experienced ghat me will eventually chime in to better help.

Tracy, which website has that chart with both oil and gas on it?

As Traci noted, gas and NGL prices vary by county/state and seasonal factor of higher in winter and lower in summer. In Permian, dry gas has been negative largely due to the lack of pipeline capacity to carry the gas. Other areas may also have some particular localized factor. If you see that the gas pricing is similar for all companies for wells in the same area, then that is reflecting the market.

Same with mine over 50 less in check

I’ve recently been in the same sounding situation. That being said, make sure the operator that pays you royalties is following the terms of your lease agreement. If you have a “No Deductions clause” or a " Cost Free " clause in the lease agreement make sure to relay look closely at your revenue check statements and be sure there aren’t any transportation or gathering or any other post production costs being taken from your checks.

Hope this helps you figure it out.:slightly_smiling_face:

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I personally, check this every month and noticed immediately after my lease was signed and sent in, that ALL taxes & fees got taken out.

I had to remind them to look at my lease agreement again.

It took 6 months for them to correct it :face_with_symbols_on_mouth:

I was sooo pissed

I understand, I have been dealing with the operator that I have had several lease agreements since 2009 until current day. It has taken me almost 11 months of constant emails communications and going through multiple different state and local agencies to get a partial rebooking and repayment. I am still demanding the mandatory 12% annual statutory compounded interest rates applied, which as of May 7th 2026 Governor Kevin Stitt passed a new PRSA bill the has raised the 12% annual statutory compounded interest rate to 15 %. It is a different process to say the least in order to receive a correct amount that an oil & gas operator owes a mineral owner. But I think if you can hang in there and don’t give up, be persistent and professional with communicating with them the law clearly says they are required to pay what’s owes.

Best of luck to you, and I really hope you’ll be treated respectfully and receive what is owed to you. :+1:t2:

It is in Tyler County, WV. I have interest in 5 wells, all the gas prices went from 9-9.50 to 3.50-3.55. It’s been in the 9’s for over 2 years, and the volume had also gone up. The oil prices have gone from 52. to around 79. But the volume of gas is far greater than the oil. Thank you for your help. I tried calling Antero, but their lines are so busy (I’m guessing because of this) they said it would be 7 to 10 days before someone will answer my questions. Again thanks for your help.

Different factors come into play and many potential nuanced responses, but the likely explanation is going to be Natural Gas and/or NGLs as Tennis mentioned. Keep a close eye on your check detail or EnergyLink summary. Some state laws are extremely favorable to operators for natural gas allowing them to take out significant expenses (transport, sweetening, etc) before your net payment. When Nat gas prices drop enough, you may be subject to negative royalties.

Another possibility is a complete rebooking of your royalties to recover those previously mentioned expenses. All depends on your state, operator, lease terms, and blood type :wink:

All of my interests are in the Permian region. When are the pipelines expected to be completed and prices no longer in the negative?