WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas output in the United States is expected to hit a historic high of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, production 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 U.S. on a steady path toward another record-breaking year for natural gas production.
A significant portion of this growth is driven by the Permian region, which spans Texas and New Mexico. Forecasts indicate that natural gas output there will average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, reflecting a 6% increase over 2025. Much of the gas produced in this region originates from wells primarily targeting crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged about $84 a barrel, a notable rise from the roughly $65 per barrel average recorded during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville shale has also experienced growth, with expansion across Louisiana and Texas. During the first half of the year, output increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the same period last year. The full-year forecast anticipates a 9% rise, amounting to approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the nation’s key natural gas-producing regions, Haynesville’s strategic location near Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas facilities ensures much of its supply remains close to major markets.
Permian and Haynesville Lead U.S. Gas Production Surge
Despite high production levels and ample inventories, natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual projections. The EIA forecasts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a third-quarter estimate of $2.87 per MMBtu. Additionally, reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has contributed to maintaining high storage levels. Inventories at the end of October are expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, which is 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 measure. The forecast for 2027 indicates a rise to 116.04 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at 92.03 Bcf/d for this year. These figures illustrate that domestic supply continues to significantly outpace total demand, with exports increasingly contributing to overall consumption levels.
LNG Exports and Pipeline Flows Drive Record Year for U.S. Production
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 last year. Further growth is expected in 2027, reaching an average of 18.6 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, pipeline exports are forecasted at 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly higher than the 9.5 Bcf/d recorded in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG export levels are expected to be around 16.5 Bcf/d due to maintenance activities that temporarily reduce feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export terminals.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held its position as the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The 2026 outlook indicates yet another record for U.S. marketed production, driven mainly by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. With rising output, robust storage inventories, and increasing LNG exports, the current U.S. natural gas market is poised to surpass the record set in 2025.