WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – Projected to hit an all-time high in 2026, the natural gas supply in the United States is set to average 122.5 billion cubic feet per day. The U.S. Energy Information Administration recorded the previous annual peak at 118.5 Bcf/d in 2025. During the first half of 2026, production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, representing a 4% increase—equivalent to 4.6 Bcf/d—compared to the same period in the prior year.
The growth in output primarily originates from the Permian basin in Texas and New Mexico, as well as the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas. Permian natural gas production is projected to reach an average of 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, marking a 6% rise from 2025. Much of this gas is produced as associated gas alongside crude oil. Through July, West Texas Intermediate crude averaged $84 a barrel, in contrast to $65 in 2025.
Permian’s gas output has also experienced an increase due to the rising gas-to-oil ratio in the region. This ratio indicates the amount of natural gas produced relative to crude oil. In the first half of the year, Haynesville’s production increased by 1.1 Bcf/d, or 7%, compared to the same period last year. Full-year forecasts suggest Haynesville will see a 9% rise, approximately 1.3 Bcf/d.
Permian and Haynesville as Key Drivers of Growth
The outlook for natural gas production heavily depends on prices, especially for operators in the Haynesville region, which is more gas-focused. The EIA anticipates the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026. Its third-quarter forecast currently stands at $2.87 per MMBtu. Elevated production levels and diminished LNG feedgas demand have contributed to rising inventories, with storage at the end of October projected 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 projection. U.S. dry natural gas production is expected to average 111.19 Bcf/d in 2026, excluding certain volumes counted in marketed production. For 2027, dry gas output is forecast at 116.04 Bcf/d, while total U.S. natural gas consumption this year is estimated at 92.03 Bcf/d.
Exports Grow as Storage Levels Remain Elevated
Exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. are projected to average 17.4 Bcf/d in 2026, up from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025. The forecast for 2027 estimates LNG exports will reach 18.6 Bcf/d. Pipeline exports are expected 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, with maintenance reducing feedgas demand at some Gulf Coast facilities.
From 2009 through 2024, the United States maintained its position as the world’s top natural gas producer, according to the latest comparable global data. The August outlook reaffirms this dominance with another forecasted record for annual production in 2026. The latest projections highlight increased output from the country’s two major growth regions. Combined, expanding supplies from Permian and Haynesville are driving U.S. marketed natural gas production beyond the record set in 2025.