WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas production is anticipated 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 former record was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, output averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These developments suggest the nation is on course for another peak in annual production.
Much of the growth stems from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, where natural gas output is expected to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, a 6% rise from 2025. A significant portion of the region’s gas comes from wells primarily producing crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged approximately $84 a barrel, which contrasts with an average of around $65 a barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville shale has also experienced growth, with increased activity across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, output rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, a 7% jump from the previous year. The full-year forecast predicts a 9% increase, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the country’s key gas-producing areas, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas infrastructure, positioning much of its supply near major markets.
Permian and Haynesville contribute significantly to U.S. supply growth
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual forecasts, supported by high production and storage levels. The EIA projects the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a third-quarter forecast of $2.87 per MMBtu. Additionally, reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has helped sustain storage inventories, which are projected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet by the end of October—around 5% above the five-year average.
Dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding certain volumes included in total marketed production. Projections indicate this figure will increase to 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at an average of 92.03 Bcf/d for this year. The data illustrates that domestic supply remains significantly above overall consumption, with exports constituting a growing segment of total demand.
LNG exports propel record-breaking production levels
Forecasts show U.S. liquefied natural gas exports averaging 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, a rise from 15.1 Bcf/d last year. The trend is expected to continue, with exports reaching 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are projected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are estimated at 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance that temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States was the world’s leading natural gas producer, based on available global data. The forecast for 2026 indicates another record for U.S. marketed production, driven mainly by the growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. The combination of higher output, robust storage levels, and increased LNG exports underscores the current strength of the U.S. natural gas market, surpassing the 2025 record.