WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – Amid ongoing energy production trends, U.S. marketed natural gas output is projected to reach an all-time average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the previous yearly record was 118.5 Bcf/d set in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, surpassing the same period last year by 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d.
The growth in production has been primarily driven by the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Haynesville region spanning Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is expected to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d this year, reflecting a 6% increase compared to 2025. Much of this supply is associated gas produced concurrently with crude oil extraction. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at an average of $84 a barrel through July, compared to $65 during 2025.
Furthermore, Permian gas production has continued to grow as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio climbs. 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. The entire year’s Haynesville production is forecast to grow by 9%, which equates to roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville regions lead the production gains
The outlook for natural gas production remains significantly influenced by prices, 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. Strong output levels, combined with reduced LNG feedgas demand, have contributed to rising inventories, with end-October storage forecast to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage estimate is 5% above the five-year average and 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly projection. U.S. dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, which excludes some volumes counted 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 be 92.03 Bcf/d for this year.
Exports increase as storage levels stay high
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are anticipated to reach an average of 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The forecast for 2027 suggests LNG exports will climb to 18.6 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, pipeline exports are expected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly above the 9.5 Bcf/d recorded last year. During the third quarter, LNG export volumes are projected at 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance that has lowered feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States maintained its position as the world’s leading natural gas producer, according to the most recent global data. The August outlook confirms this dominance, with a forecast for another annual production record in 2026. The latest projections highlight increased output from the country’s primary growth regions, with expanding Permian and Haynesville supplies driving U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the record set in 2025.