WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas production is anticipated to reach an all-time average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous yearly peak was 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the initial 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 main focus of the growth has been the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico along with the Haynesville region spanning Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is projected to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d this year, marking a 6% rise from 2025. Much of this gas is associated gas produced alongside crude oil. Through July, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel, compared to $65 during 2025.
Additionally, Permian gas production has increased as the region’s gas-to-oil ratio continues its upward trend. This ratio indicates the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. Haynesville’s output grew by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, during the first half of the year in comparison with the previous year. The full-year production in Haynesville is forecasted to rise by 9%, roughly 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Gains
Natural gas prices continue to play a vital role in shaping the production outlook, especially for operators in the gas-centric Haynesville region. The EIA predicts that 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 inventories have been driven by robust production and decreased LNG feedgas demand, with end-October storage reaching a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage projection exceeds the five-year average by 5% and is 19 Bcf higher than the previous monthly estimate. U.S. dry natural gas production is projected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding some volumes counted within marketed production. Looking ahead, dry gas output is forecasted at 116.04 Bcf/d in 2027, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is expected to average 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports Increase Amid Elevated Storage Levels
The forecast for U.S. liquefied natural gas exports in 2026 stands at an average of 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. For 2027, exports are expected to reach 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are projected to average 9.6 Bcf/d this year, compared to 9.5 Bcf/d in the previous year. During the third quarter, LNG exports are estimated at 16.5 Bcf/d, with maintenance at some Gulf Coast facilities reducing feedgas demand.
The United States has held its position as the world’s largest natural gas producer from 2009 through 2024, the most recent year with comparable global data. The August outlook confirms that dominance by forecasting another annual production record for 2026. The latest projections highlight increased output from the country’s two primary growth regions—Permian and Haynesville—contributing to overall U.S. marketed natural gas production surpassing the 2025 record.