WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas output in the United States is projected to hit an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous record was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first six months of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These figures indicate the nation is on course to set another annual production record.
A significant portion of this growth originates from the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico. Forecasts suggest that natural gas production there will average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, a 6% rise from 2025. A large share of the region’s natural gas comes from wells primarily focused on crude oil extraction. The West Texas Intermediate crude price averaged around $84 per barrel through July 2026, compared to approximately $65 per barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also increased, with output expanding across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, production rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, from the previous year. The full-year forecast predicts a 9% increase, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the primary natural gas producing areas in the country, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, positioning much of its supply near major markets.
Permian and Haynesville regions drive U.S. supply expansion
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual estimates, supported by high production levels and robust inventories. The EIA forecasts the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a third-quarter projection of $2.87 per MMBtu. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has also contributed to the elevated storage levels. Inventories at the end of October are expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, roughly 5% above the five-year average.
Forecasts indicate that dry natural gas production will average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding certain volumes under broader marketed production. The output is expected to increase to 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. U.S. natural gas consumption is projected to be 92.03 Bcf/d for this year. These figures demonstrate that domestic supply remains significantly above total demand, with exports playing an increasingly vital role in overall consumption.
LNG exports bolster record-breaking production levels
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are expected to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d last year. The forecast for 2027 suggests further growth to 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are also projected to average 9.6 Bcf/d in 2026, slightly higher than the 9.5 Bcf/d recorded in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are estimated at 16.5 Bcf/d, a dip caused by maintenance that temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export terminals.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States maintained its position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The 2026 outlook indicates another peak for U.S. marketed production, driven primarily by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. Elevated output, strong storage inventories, and increasing LNG exports characterize the current U.S. natural gas landscape as production surpasses the record set in 2025.