SEATTLE (Oil Monster): U.S. natural gas marketed production is forecast to rise 2% to average 120.8 Bcf/d in 2026 and climb further to a record 122.3 Bcf/d in 2027, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).
Approximately 69% of total incremental supply over the next two years is expected to originate from the Appalachia, Haynesville and Permian regions, underscoring their continued dominance in Lower 48 output growth.
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Haynesville production is projected to increase by 1.2 Bcf/d in 2026 and by 1.6 Bcf/d in 2027. The growth is supported by firmer Henry Hub pricing, with benchmarks expected to rise from $3.52/MMBtu in 2025 to $4.31 in 2026 and $4.38 in 2027. Strong LNG export demand and proximity to Gulf Coast industrial markets continue to enhance drilling economics despite higher well costs.
The Permian Basin is forecast to add 1.4 Bcf/d in 2026 and 0.6 Bcf/d in 2027, largely from associated gas linked to oil drilling, even as WTI crude prices trend lower.
Meanwhile, Appalachian output is expected to grow modestly following expanded takeaway capacity from the Mountain Valley Pipeline, enabling incremental production gains through 2027.
