WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas produced for the U.S. market is projected to reach an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the initial half of this year, the production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% rise, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These increases indicate the country is on track for yet another record-setting year for natural gas output.
Much of this growth originates from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, which is expected to produce an average of 29.2 Bcf/d this year—up 6% from 2025. A significant portion of the region’s gas comes from wells primarily designed for crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged approximately $84 per barrel, compared to roughly $65 during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also increased, driven by expansion efforts across Louisiana and Texas. In the first half of the year, output grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, from the previous year. The total annual increase is forecasted at 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d, solidifying Haynesville’s position as a key natural gas producing area. Its proximity to Gulf Coast demand hubs and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities ensures much of its supply remains close to major markets.
Permian and Haynesville Drive U.S. Natural Gas Supply
Despite high production and storage levels, natural gas prices have remained below earlier yearly forecasts. The EIA anticipates the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a forecast of $2.87 per MMBtu for the third quarter. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has contributed to the maintained storage levels, with end-October inventories predicted to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, about 5% higher than the five-year average.
Forecasts indicate dry natural gas production will average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes counted under broader marketed production. For 2027, dry gas output is expected to increase to 116.04 Bcf/d. In terms of consumption, the U.S. is projected to average 92.03 Bcf/d in 2026. The data suggests domestic supply continues to surpass total demand, with exports playing an increasingly significant role in overall consumption.
LNG Exports Contributing to Record Production Levels
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are expected to reach an average of 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. The forecast for 2027 indicates further growth, with exports rising to 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are projected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared with 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are forecasted at 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export terminals.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on available global data. The outlook for 2026 points to another record for U.S. marketed production, driven mainly by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. Increased output, robust storage levels, and rising LNG exports collectively define the current landscape of the U.S. natural gas market, surpassing the record set in 2025.