WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The U.S. is projected to produce an average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas in 2026, setting a new record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous annual high was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period last year.
Growth in output has been primarily driven by the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico and the Haynesville region spanning Louisiana and Texas. The Permian’s natural gas production is estimated to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d this year, which is 6% higher than in 2025. Much of this supply is associated gas produced alongside crude oil. West Texas Intermediate crude oil averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared to $65 during 2025.
Increased Permian gas production is also influenced by the rising gas-to-oil ratio in the region. This ratio indicates the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. Meanwhile, Haynesville output grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, in the first half of the year relative to the previous year. The full-year forecast for Haynesville production anticipates a 9% rise, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Gains
Crucial to the outlook for natural gas output are prices, especially for operators in the gas-centric Haynesville area. The EIA predicts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a third-quarter projection of $2.87 per MMBtu. Elevated production levels combined with decreased LNG feedgas demand have contributed to rising inventories, with storage at the end of October forecasted to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage estimate exceeds the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly forecast. U.S. dry natural gas production is projected to be 111.19 Bcf/d on average for 2026. This figure excludes some volumes counted within marketed production. In 2027, dry gas output is forecast at 116.04 Bcf/d, with total U.S. natural gas consumption averaging 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports Increase Amid Elevated Storage Levels
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are expected to average 17.4 Bcf/d, rising from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The projection for 2027 indicates LNG exports reaching 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly up from 9.5 Bcf/d last year. During the third quarter, LNG exports are forecasted at 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the title of the world’s top natural gas producer, based on the latest comparable global data. The August outlook confirms this leadership with another projected record in annual production for 2026. The updated forecast highlights increased output from the country’s two primary growth areas, Permian and Haynesville. Their combined expansion is pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the record set in 2025.