WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – In 2026, U.S. marketed natural gas output is projected to hit an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet daily. The U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that the prior record 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 increases position the country to achieve another annual production peak.
A significant portion of this growth originates from the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, where natural gas output is forecast to average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, up 6% from 2025. Much of the region’s gas production is derived from wells primarily focused on crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged roughly $84 per barrel, compared to about $65 a barrel during 2025.
Natural gas 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 forecast for the entire year predicts a 9% growth, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the leading gas-producing areas in the nation, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, placing much of its supply near key markets.
Permian and Haynesville Drive U.S. Natural Gas Supply Growth
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier projections for the year as both production and inventories stay elevated. The EIA anticipates 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. Additionally, decreased LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has helped sustain storage levels. End-October inventories are expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, roughly 5% above the five-year average.
Projected dry natural gas production is 111.19 Bcf/d for 2026, excluding certain volumes counted under the broader marketed production measure. This figure is expected to rise to 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027. Domestic natural gas consumption is estimated at 92.03 Bcf/d this year. The data indicates that U.S. supply remains significantly above total consumption, with exports playing an increasingly vital role in overall demand.
LNG Exports Contribute to Record-breaking Production Levels
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are forecast to reach an average of 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. The forecast for 2027 projects further growth, reaching 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are expected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. Third-quarter LNG exports are estimated at 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
The United States has been the world’s leading natural gas producer from 2009 through 2024, based on the latest comparable global data. The forecast for 2026 indicates another record for U.S. marketed production. The main contributors to this growth remain the Permian and Haynesville regions. Elevated output levels, robust storage inventories, and rising LNG exports all characterize the current U.S. natural gas market, which continues to surpass the record set in 2025.