U.S. Gas Output and Demand to Set Records Through 2027
U.S. natural gas production, domestic consumption and LNG exports are all forecast to reach record levels through 2027, according to the Energy Information Administration’s latest Short-Term Energy Outlook.
By Carolina Curiel
Published September 10, 2026
What Readers Should Know
- U.S. dry natural gas production is forecast at 111.7 bcfd in 2026 and 115.9 bcfd in 2027.
- Domestic gas consumption is projected to rise from 91.9 bcfd in 2025 to 92.2 bcfd in 2026 and 94.3 bcfd in 2027.
- U.S. LNG exports are expected to average 17.4 bcfd in 2026 and 18.6 bcfd in 2027.
- Natural gas inventories are forecast to enter the winter season about 5% above the five-year average.
- U.S. coal production is projected to fall to its lowest level since 1963 in 2027.
U.S. Natural Gas Production Heads for New Records
MONTREAL (Oil Monster): U.S. natural gas production and consumption are expected to reach new records over the next two years, according to the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Dry natural gas production is forecast to average 111.7 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, up from 107.6 bcfd in 2025.
Output is expected to climb further to 115.9 bcfd in 2027.
The EIA’s latest 2026 production forecast is slightly higher than its previous estimate of 111.2 bcfd.
Domestic Gas Demand Is Also Forecast to Rise
U.S. domestic natural gas consumption is projected to increase from 91.9 bcfd in 2025 to 92.2 bcfd in 2026.
Consumption is forecast to rise further to 94.3 bcfd in 2027.
The EIA’s August outlook had projected 2026 demand at 92.0 bcfd, below the latest estimate.
LNG Exports Continue Their Expansion
U.S. liquefied natural gas exports are expected to average 17.4 bcfd in 2026 and rise to 18.6 bcfd in 2027.
That compares with average LNG exports of 15.1 bcfd in 2025.
Gas Inventories Expected to Enter Winter Above Average
The EIA expects U.S. working natural gas inventories to reach approximately 3,969 billion cubic feet by October 31, 2026.
That would put inventories about 5% above the previous five-year average. The agency said relatively high storage levels partly reflect strong natural gas production growth, including increased output from the Permian and Haynesville regions.
Coal Output Heads Toward Multi-Decade Low
Meanwhile, U.S. coal production is projected to decline from 528.4 million short tons in 2025 to 516.3 million short tons in 2026 and 496.7 million short tons in 2027.
The 2027 forecast would mark the lowest U.S. coal production level since 1963.
U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions are also forecast to decline through 2027, reflecting lower expected consumption of coal and petroleum products.
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