WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – Projected natural gas production in the United States is on track to set a new record, averaging 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous annual peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, marking a 4% increase—equivalent to 4.6 Bcf/d—compared to the same period last year.
The growth in output has predominantly centered around the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, as well as the Haynesville region spanning Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas production is projected to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, representing a 6% rise from 2025. Much of this supply originates as associated gas produced alongside crude oil. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared with $65 during 2025.
Additionally, Permian gas output has increased as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio continues to climb, measuring the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. During the first half of the year, Haynesville production grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the same period in the previous year. Overall, Haynesville’s annual output is forecasted to increase by 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Growth
The outlook for natural gas production remains strongly influenced by prices, especially for operators in the gas-centric Haynesville region. The EIA predicts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a third-quarter forecast 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 projected to hit a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage estimate surpasses the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly forecast. U.S. dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding certain volumes included in marketed production. For 2027, dry gas output is forecasted at 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at 92.03 Bcf/d for this year.
Exports Increase as Storage Levels Remain High
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are projected to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The forecast for 2027 indicates LNG exports reaching 18.6 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, pipeline exports are anticipated to hold steady at an average of 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d during the previous year. During the third quarter, LNG exports are expected to be around 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance activities reducing feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the U.S. remained the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to global data for that period. The latest outlook continues to affirm this position, projecting another record-breaking year for production in 2026. This forecast reflects increased output from the country’s two primary growth regions, with expanding supplies from Permian and Haynesville boosting U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the previous record established in 2025.