WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The annual average of natural gas generated in the U.S. is projected to reach a record-breaking 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% rise, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These increases suggest the nation is on track to achieve yet another record-breaking year for output.
A significant portion of this growth is driven by the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico. Forecasts indicate that natural gas production from this area will average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, marking a 6% increase from 2025. The region’s supply largely originates from wells primarily producing crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged roughly $84 per barrel, compared to an approximate $65 per barrel during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also seen a boost, expanding across Louisiana and Texas. Output increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, during the first half of the year compared to 2025. The full-year forecast predicts a 9% rise, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the country’s primary natural gas-producing areas, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, positioning much of its supply close to key markets.
Permian and Haynesville Propel U.S. Natural Gas Supply
Despite high production levels and robust inventories, natural gas prices have remained below earlier annual estimates. The EIA forecasts the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with the third-quarter projection at $2.87 per MMBtu. Additionally, lower LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has supported storage levels, with inventories at the end of October expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet, about 5% above the five-year average.
Forecasts for dry natural gas production in 2026 average 111.19 Bcf/d, excluding certain volumes included in the broader marketed production measure. In 2027, dry gas output is projected to grow to 116.04 Bcf/d. U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d in 2026. The data indicates that domestic supply remains significantly above total consumption, with exports increasingly contributing to overall demand.
LNG Exports Drive Record Production Levels in 2026
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are expected to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025, with projections reaching 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are forecasted to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d during 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are anticipated to be around 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export terminals.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States maintained its position as the world’s leading natural gas producer, based on available global data. The forecast for 2026 indicates another peak in U.S. marketed production, driven primarily by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. The combination of rising output, high storage reserves, and expanding LNG exports underscores the strength of the current U.S. natural gas market as it surpasses the record set in 2025.