WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas output in the United States is expected to reach an all-time high of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, according to reports. The U.S. Energy Information Administration indicates that the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, reflecting a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These upward trends suggest the nation is on course for another year of record-breaking natural gas output.
A significant portion of this growth is driven by the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, where production is projected to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, marking a 6% rise from 2025. Much of the natural gas extracted in this region originates from wells primarily producing crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged roughly $84 a barrel, a notable increase from an approximate $65 per barrel average during 2025.
The Haynesville shale formation in Louisiana and Texas has also contributed to the overall rise, with production expanding during the first half of the year by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the previous year. The full-year output is forecasted to grow by 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the leading natural gas-producing regions nationwide, Haynesville benefits from its strategic location near Gulf Coast demand hubs and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, ensuring a substantial portion of its supply remains close to major markets.
Permian and Haynesville Regions Drive U.S. Gas Supply Higher
Despite the consistent growth in production and inventories, natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual forecasts. The EIA projects 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, lower LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has helped sustain storage levels, with inventories at the end of October expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet—approximately 5% above the five-year average.
The forecast for dry natural gas production in 2026 stands at 111.19 Bcf/d, excluding certain volumes counted within the broader marketed production metric. Projections indicate that in 2027, dry gas output will reach 116.04 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year, illustrating that domestic supply remains significantly above overall demand, with exports increasingly taking a larger share of the market.
LNG Exports Propel Record-Setting Production Levels
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are predicted to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, rising from 15.1 Bcf/d in the previous year. The export volume is forecasted to climb further to 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are also expected to increase slightly, averaging 9.6 Bcf/d this year compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are anticipated to reach 16.5 Bcf/d, temporarily reduced due to maintenance that affects feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
Since 2009 through 2024, the United States held its position as the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to the most recent comparable global data. The outlook for 2026 indicates another record in U.S. marketed production, primarily driven by continued growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. The combination of increased output, robust storage levels, and rising LNG exports characterizes the current U.S. natural gas market as it surpasses the record established in 2025.