WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas output in the United States is projected to reach an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet daily in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first six months of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, marking a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. This growth supports the country’s trajectory toward yet another yearly production record.
The Permian Basin, spanning Texas and New Mexico, contributes significantly to this rise. Natural gas output in this region is expected to average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, which is a 6% increase from 2025. Much of the gas extracted from Permian wells primarily comes from crude oil production. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged approximately $84 per barrel, compared to about $65 per barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region, covering parts of Louisiana and Texas, has also increased. Output expanded by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, in the first half of the year compared to the previous year. The annual total is forecasted to grow by 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the primary gas-producing areas nationwide, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, which position much of its supply near key markets.
Permian and Haynesville Drive U.S. Natural Gas Growth
Despite high production levels and abundant inventories, natural gas prices have remained below earlier yearly estimates. The EIA forecasts 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. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has helped sustain storage levels, which are expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet by the end of October—about 5% above the five-year average.
Projected dry natural gas production in 2026 is 111.19 Bcf/d, excluding certain volumes included in the broader marketed production figure. The forecast for 2027 indicates an increase to 116.04 Bcf/d. U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year, illustrating that domestic supply remains significantly above total consumption. Meanwhile, exports are capturing an increasing share of overall demand.
LNG Exports Contribute to a Record Production Year
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are predicted to average 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d last year. Exports are also expected to grow further, reaching 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are projected at 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly above the 9.5 Bcf/d recorded 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 facilities.
From 2009 through 2024—the latest year with comparable global data—the United States led the world in natural gas production. The outlook for 2026 indicates another record for U.S. marketed output, driven mainly by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. The combination of rising production, strong storage levels, and expanding LNG exports defines the current U.S. natural gas market, as output surpasses the record set in 2025.
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