WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – Projected to reach an all-time high in 2026, natural gas output in the U.S. is expected to average 122.5 billion cubic feet daily. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, reflecting a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These developments indicate the nation is on course for another record-setting year in natural gas production.
A significant portion of this growth is attributed to the Permian region, which spans Texas and New Mexico. Production in this area is forecasted to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, representing a 6% rise from 2025. A large share of the gas extracted here originates from wells primarily producing crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged about $84 per barrel, up from roughly $65 per barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also experienced growth, with output expanding across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, it increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the previous year. The full-year production is expected to climb approximately 9%, equaling around 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the country’s key gas-producing areas, Haynesville’s proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities places much of its supply close to major markets.
Permian and Haynesville regions boost U.S. natural gas supply
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier forecasts for the year, amid high production and inventory levels. The EIA anticipates the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with the third-quarter forecast at $2.87 per MMBtu. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has also contributed to sustained storage levels. By the end of October, inventories are projected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, which is about 5% above the five-year average.
Dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes included in the broader marketed production measure. The forecast for 2027 indicates a rise to 116.04 Bcf/d. U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at an average of 92.03 Bcf/d for this year. These figures reveal that domestic supply remains significantly above total consumption, with exports increasingly contributing to overall demand.
LNG exports contribute to a record-setting year for production
Forecasts project U.S. liquefied natural gas exports will average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. Exports are expected to further increase to 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG export levels are forecast at 16.5 Bcf/d, with maintenance temporarily reducing feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States was the world’s leading natural gas producer, based on available global data. The projection for 2026 indicates another peak in U.S. marketed production, primarily driven by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. Increased output, high storage levels, and rising LNG exports collectively define the current landscape of U.S. natural gas markets as they surpass the record set in 2025.