WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas production 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 set 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 gains are keeping the nation on course for another record-breaking year of natural gas production.
Much of this increase is driven by the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. This region is expected to produce an average of 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, a 6% rise from 2025. Most of the gas extracted here comes from wells primarily targeting crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged approximately $84 a barrel, compared to about $65 a barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville shale has also increased, with output expanding across Louisiana and Texas. In the first half of the year, production grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, from the previous year. Full-year output is expected to rise by 9%, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. Haynesville continues to be a major natural gas-producing region in the country. Its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas facilities ensures much of its supply is close to key markets.
Permian and Haynesville contribute significantly to U.S. gas supply
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier yearly forecasts as production and storage levels stay high. The EIA anticipates the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026. Its third-quarter forecast is $2.87 per MMBtu. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has also bolstered 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.
Forecasted dry natural gas production for 2026 stands at 111.19 Bcf/d, excluding some volumes counted under the broader marketed production. Production is projected to increase to 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. Domestic natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year. These figures reveal that U.S. supply remains well above total consumption, with exports accounting for an increasing share of overall demand.
LNG exports boost projected record-breaking production figures
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are predicted to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. Exports are expected to continue rising, reaching 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are forecasted to average 9.6 Bcf/d in 2026, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG export levels are projected at 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on comparable global data for those years. The 2026 outlook indicates another record for U.S. marketed production. The growth is mainly driven by increased output from the Permian and Haynesville regions. Elevated production, robust storage inventories, and rising LNG exports collectively characterize the current U.S. natural gas market, as it surpasses the record set in 2025.