WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The United States is on track to achieve a peak of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in marketed natural gas production in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous high was 118.5 Bcf/d 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 position the country for another year of record-setting production levels.
The significant growth is largely driven by the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, where natural gas output is forecasted to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, a 6% rise from 2025. Much of the region’s gas originates from wells that primarily produce crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged around $84 a barrel, compared to approximately $65 a barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also increased, with output expanding across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, production rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, from the previous year. The full-year forecast suggests a 9% increase, amounting to roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the nation’s primary gas-producing areas, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas facilities, positioning much of its supply near major markets.
Permian and Haynesville drive U.S. natural gas supply growth
Despite the high levels of production and inventories, natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual projections. The EIA anticipates 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. Lower LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has also contributed to sustained storage levels. As of the end of October, inventories are projected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, about 5% above the five-year average.
Forecasts indicate that dry natural gas production will average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes categorized under the broader marketed production measure. This figure is expected to increase to 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at an average of 92.03 Bcf/d for this year. These figures demonstrate that domestic supply remains significantly above total consumption, with exports capturing an increasing share of overall demand.
LNG exports contribute to a record-breaking production year
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the United States are projected to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d last year. The growth is expected to continue, with LNG exports reaching 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are forecasted to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly above the 9.5 Bcf/d recorded in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are expected to be around 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
Since 2009 through 2024, the United States has held the position of the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The forecast for 2026 indicates yet another record for U.S. marketed production. The primary contributors to this growth are the Permian and Haynesville regions. Elevated output levels, robust storage inventories, and increasing LNG exports characterize the current U.S. natural gas market, which continues to surpass the record set in 2025.