WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas production is expected to hit an average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, setting a new record. The U.S. Energy Information Administration previously recorded the highest annual total at 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d. This figure exceeds last year’s same period by 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d.
The growth in production has been mainly driven by the Permian region in Texas and New Mexico, as well as the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is projected to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d this year, representing a 6% increase compared to 2025. Much of this gas is associated with crude oil production. West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel through July, up from $65 during 2025.
The rise in Permian gas output is also linked to the increasing gas-to-oil ratio in the region. This ratio indicates the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. During the first half of 2026, Haynesville production increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the same period last year. The full-year outlook for Haynesville suggests a total increase of 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Regions Lead Production Growth
Natural gas prices continue to play a crucial role in the production outlook, especially for operators focused on the Haynesville region. The EIA projects the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026. The third-quarter forecast is $2.87 per MMBtu. Strong production levels combined with decreased LNG feedgas demand have contributed to rising inventories. End-October storage levels are forecasted to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage forecast exceeds the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly estimate. U.S. dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026. This measure excludes some volumes counted within marketed production. Projected dry gas output for 2027 is 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d in 2026.
Exports Increase Amid Elevated Storage Levels
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are forecasted to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, an increase from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The projection for 2027 places LNG exports at 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are anticipated to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, slightly higher than last year’s 9.5 Bcf/d. During the third quarter, LNG exports are expected to be 16.5 Bcf/d, impacted by maintenance at some Gulf Coast facilities which reduces feedgas demand.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on comparable global data. The August outlook confirms this leadership with a forecast for another annual production record in 2026. This new projection reflects increased output from the country’s two primary growth regions. Together, the expanding Permian and Haynesville areas are pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the record set in 2025.