WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – The natural gas output in the U.S. is anticipated to reach a historic average of 122.5 billion cubic feet daily in 2026, according to projections. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of this year, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d—an increase of 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period in 2025. These gains suggest the nation is on track for another record-breaking year of natural gas production.
A significant portion of this increase stems from the Permian region in Texas and New Mexico, where natural gas output is expected to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, representing a 6% rise from 2025. Much of the gas produced there originates from wells that mainly extract crude oil. Through July 2026, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged around $84 per barrel, compared with an average of approximately $65 during 2025.
Production in the Haynesville region has also increased, with expansion across Louisiana and Texas contributing to higher output. During the first half of the year, production grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, from a year earlier, and the full-year forecast predicts a 9% increase, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d. As one of the country’s key gas-producing areas, Haynesville benefits from its proximity to Gulf Coast demand centers and liquefied natural gas facilities, positioning much of its supply near major markets.
Permian and Haynesville Drive U.S. Natural Gas Growth
Natural gas prices have remained below earlier yearly forecasts, supported by high production levels and ample inventories. 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. Reduced LNG feedgas demand during maintenance periods has also helped sustain storage levels, which are expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet at the end of October—about 5% above the five-year average.
Forecasts indicate dry natural gas production will average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes counted under the broader marketed production. By 2027, dry gas output is projected to rise to 116.04 Bcf/d. Meanwhile, U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year. These figures show domestic supply remains well above total consumption, with exports increasingly contributing to overall demand.
LNG Exports Support Record Year
Exports of liquefied natural gas from the U.S. are forecast to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025, and are expected to further increase to 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Pipeline exports are projected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the third quarter, LNG exports are anticipated at 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance that temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast export facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States has been the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on the latest comparable global data. The 2026 outlook indicates another record for U.S. marketed production, primarily driven by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. With higher output, robust storage levels, and increasing LNG exports, the current U.S. natural gas market is poised to surpass the record set in 2025.