WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – U.S. marketed natural gas output is projected to reach an all-time high average of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the previous yearly record was 118.5 Bcf/d set 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 region in Texas and New Mexico, along with the Haynesville area in Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas output is forecast to average 29.2 Bcf/d this year, marking a 6% increase from 2025. Much of this supply results from associated gas produced alongside crude oil. Through July, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel, up from $65 during 2025.
An increase in Permian gas production is also linked to the rising gas-to-oil ratio in the region, which measures the volume of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. During the first half, Haynesville output rose by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the previous year. Full-year production in Haynesville is projected to grow by 9%, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville Lead Production Growth
Natural gas prices remain a key factor influencing the outlook, especially for operators in the gas-centric Haynesville region. The EIA predicts 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, supported by strong production and decreased LNG feedgas demand, have contributed to this trend. End-October storage is expected to reach a record 3,985 billion cubic feet.
This storage figure exceeds 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 some volumes counted in marketed production. In 2027, dry gas output is projected to reach 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption is estimated at 92.03 Bcf/d this year.
Exports Increase as Storage Levels Remain High
In 2026, U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are expected to average 17.4 Bcf/d, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The forecast indicates LNG exports will reach 18.6 Bcf/d in 2027. 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 export levels are projected at 16.5 Bcf/d due to maintenance activities reducing feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States held the position as the world’s largest natural gas producer, based on the latest available global data. The August outlook continues to support this dominance, with another record forecast for 2026. The most recent projections highlight increased production from the country’s two main growth regions, with expanding Permian and Haynesville supplies pushing U.S. marketed natural gas production past the record established in 2025.