WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – In the United States, natural gas production is projected to reach an all-time average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, according to recent forecasts. The U.S. Energy Information Administration previously reported the highest annual figure at 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, which is 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d, higher than the same period in the previous year.
The growth has mainly been driven by developments in 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, marking a 6% increase from 2025. A significant portion of this supply is associated gas produced in conjunction with crude oil extraction. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at an average of $84 a barrel through July, up from $65 during 2025.
Additionally, Permian gas production has surged as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio continues to climb. This ratio indicates the amount of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. In the first half of the year, Haynesville output increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the previous year. Overall, Haynesville’s full-year production is forecast to grow by 9%, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville regions lead production gains
Natural gas prices remain a key factor influencing production forecasts, especially for operators in the gas-rich Haynesville area. 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. Elevated inventories, driven by strong production and reduced LNG feedgas demand, have contributed to this trend, with end-October storage levels projected to hit a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage forecast surpasses the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly outlook. U.S. dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes included in marketed production. In 2027, dry gas output is forecast at 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is projected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports increase as storage remains high
Forecasts indicate U.S. liquefied natural gas exports will average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, a rise from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. Looking ahead, LNG exports are predicted to reach 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d during 2025. Third-quarter LNG export volumes are expected to be around 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on available global data. The August outlook reaffirms this dominance with a forecast of a new annual production record in 2026. The latest projections are supported by increased output from the country’s two primary growth regions. As a result, expanding supplies from Permian and Haynesville are pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production above the record set in 2025.