WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas output is expected to hit an average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, setting a new record. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d. This is 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d, higher than the same period last year.
The growth in production is mainly driven by the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is projected to reach 29.2 Bcf/d this year, an increase of 6% from 2025. Much of this gas is associated with crude oil production. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, compared with $65 during 2025.
Gas production in Permian has risen as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio continues to grow. This ratio indicates the amount of natural gas produced in relation to crude oil. Haynesville output increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, in the first half of the year compared to last year. The full-year forecast for Haynesville is a 9% increase, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville lead growth
Natural gas prices play a crucial role in the outlook for production, especially for Haynesville operators who focus on gas. The EIA predicts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per MMBtu in 2026. Its third-quarter forecast is $2.87 per MMBtu. Strong production levels and reduced LNG feedgas demand have also increased inventories. By the end of October, storage is expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage level is 5% above the five-year average and 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly projection. U.S. dry natural gas production is estimated to be 111.19 Bcf/d on average in 2026. This figure excludes some volumes counted in marketed production. In 2027, dry gas output is forecasted at 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption will average 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports grow alongside high storage levels
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are expected to reach an average of 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The projection for 2027 is 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are also anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d last year. During the third quarter, LNG exports are forecasted at 16.5 Bcf/d, as maintenance temporarily reduces feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s top natural gas producer, based on available global data. The August outlook confirms this dominance with another forecasted record in production for 2026. The latest figures highlight increased output from the country’s two main growth areas. The combined expansion of Permian and Haynesville supplies is pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production above the 2025 record.