WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas production is projected to reach an all-time high, with an average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous yearly record was 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 last year.
This growth has mainly been 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 average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, representing a 6% increase from 2025. Much of this supply results from associated gas produced concurrently with crude oil. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared to $65 during 2025.
The rise in Permian gas production is also influenced by the increasing gas-to-oil ratio in the region. 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 full-year production in Haynesville is expected to grow by 9%, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Gains
Natural gas prices remain a key factor in the production outlook, especially for operators in the gas-rich Haynesville region. The EIA anticipates the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026, with a forecast of $2.87 per MMBtu for the third quarter. Increased production and decreased LNG feedgas demand have contributed to rising inventories, with storage at the end of October expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage level surpasses the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly estimate. U.S. dry natural gas production is forecasted to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes counted within marketed production. The projection for 2027 indicates dry gas output will reach 116.04 Bcf/d, while overall U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports Climb as Storage Remains Elevated
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are forecasted to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The projection for 2027 sees LNG exports reaching 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are expected to be 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly higher than the 9.5 Bcf/d observed last year. During the third quarter, LNG export levels are projected at 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance affecting 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, according to global data. The August outlook confirms this leadership with another record-high forecast for 2026. This forecast reflects increased output from the country’s two main growth areas. The combined expansion in Permian and Haynesville regions is pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the 2025 record.