WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, U.S. marketed natural gas output is projected to hit an unprecedented average of 122.5 billion cubic feet daily in 2026. The agency previously recorded the highest annual figure at 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% increase, or 4.6 Bcf/d, compared to the same period last year.
The growth in production has primarily been driven by the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is expected to reach 29.2 Bcf/d this year, a 6% rise from 2025. A significant portion of this supply is associated gas produced in conjunction with crude oil extraction. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared with $65 during 2025.
Additionally, Permian gas production has increased as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio continues to grow. This ratio indicates the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. During the first half of 2026, Haynesville output rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the previous year. Full-year forecasts suggest Haynesville production will increase by 9%, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Growth
Natural gas prices continue to play a crucial role in the outlook for production, 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 third-quarter forecast of $2.87 per MMBtu. Elevated production levels, coupled with decreased LNG feedgas demand, have contributed to increased inventories, with end-October storage expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage projection surpasses the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly estimate. U.S. dry natural gas production is forecast to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding certain volumes included in marketed production. For 2027, dry gas output is expected to reach 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is projected at 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports Grow as Storage Levels Remain Elevated
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are expected to average 17.4 Bcf/d, an increase from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. Projections for 2027 indicate LNG exports will reach 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly up from 9.5 Bcf/d in 2025. Third-quarter LNG export levels are forecasted at 16.5 Bcf/d, partly due to maintenance that reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States maintained its position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The August outlook confirms this dominance by projecting another annual record in production for 2026. The forecast reflects increased output from the country’s two primary growth regions, with expanding supplies from Permian and Haynesville pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the 2025 record.