WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas production is projected to reach an all-time high, averaging 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous yearly record stood at 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, surpassing the same period last year by 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d.
The growth in production primarily stems from the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Haynesville region spanning Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is expected to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, representing a 6% increase from 2025. Much of this supply is associated gas produced alongside crude oil. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared with $65 during 2025.
The rise in Permian gas production also correlates with an increasing gas-to-oil ratio in the region. This ratio indicates the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. Haynesville output grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, in the first half compared to the previous year. The full-year forecast for Haynesville production anticipates a 9% rise, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville lead growth
Natural gas prices continue to play a significant role in shaping the outlook for production, especially for operators in Haynesville who focus heavily on gas. 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. Robust production levels and reduced LNG feedgas demand have contributed to rising inventories, with end-October storage expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage estimate exceeds the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly projection. U.S. dry natural gas production is anticipated to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes included in marketed production. In 2027, dry gas output is forecasted at 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports grow as inventories stay high
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are expected to reach an average of 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The forecast indicates LNG exports will increase to 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are projected at an average of 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are predicted to be 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance reducing feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The August outlook affirms this dominance with another record-high annual production forecast for 2026. The current projection highlights increased output from the country’s primary growth regions. Together, expanding supplies from Permian and Haynesville are pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the 2025 record.