WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas output is expected to reach an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet daily in 2026. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d. That represents a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These increases suggest the nation is heading toward another record-breaking year of production.
Much of this growth comes from the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico. Forecasts show natural gas output there will average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026. This is a 6% rise from 2025. The region mainly produces gas from wells that mainly target crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged around $84 a barrel. This compares with an average of about $65 a barrel during 2025.
Haynesville’s output has also increased, as production expands across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, production rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to last year. Overall, 2026 is expected to see a 9% increase, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. Haynesville remains a key region for gas production. Its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas facilities places much of its supply near major markets.
Permian and Haynesville drive U.S. natural gas growth
Natural gas prices have stayed below earlier annual forecasts despite high production and storage levels. The EIA predicts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026. Its third-quarter forecast is $2.87 per MMBtu. Lower LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has helped sustain storage levels. End-October inventories are projected at a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, about 5% above the five-year average.
Forecasts for dry natural gas production indicate an average of 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026. This figure does not include some volumes counted under the broader marketed production measure. Production is expected to reach 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. U.S. natural gas consumption this year is projected to be 92.03 Bcf/d. These figures show that domestic supply remains well above total demand, with exports making up an increasing share.
LNG exports contribute to record-setting year
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are forecast to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. Export volumes are expected to further increase to 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are forecast at 9.6 Bcf/d for 2026, slightly higher than 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports 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 was the world’s leading natural gas producer, based on available global data. The 2026 forecast suggests another record for U.S. marketed production. The growth primarily stems from increases in the Permian and Haynesville regions. Higher output, strong storage levels, and rising LNG exports characterize the current U.S. natural gas market as it moves beyond the 2025 record.