<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-21
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>d85595ex21.txt
<DESCRIPTION>SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                                 Subsidiaries:

PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, a New York corporation 100% owned by
Corporation

Prime Operating Company, a Texas corporation 100% owned by PrimeEnergy
Corporation

Eastern Oil Well Service Company, a West Virginia corporation 100% owned by
PrimeEnergy Corporation

Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, an Oklahoma corporation, 100% owned by
PrimeEnergy Corporation

E O W S Midland Company, a Texas corporation, 100% owned by PrimeEnergy
Corporation
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
