The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects natural gas output to average 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026, above the prior annual record, with the Permian Basin and Haynesville shale driving most of the gain.
U.S. natural gas production is expected to reach a record level in 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The overall supply will see a big boost, mainly driven by anticipated stronger output from major shale regions, the agency noted.
The EIA forecasts average natural gas production of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2026. The current year's production will surpass the previous annual record of 118.5 Bcf/d set in 2025.
During the first six months of 2026, U.S. production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, up 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d, from the same period last year. Much of the increase came from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas.
Permian natural gas output is projected to average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, higher by 6% compared with 2025. The region has been witnessing a surge in oil-focused drilling, driven by higher crude oil prices, which has led to increased production of associated natural gas. The EIA also expects Haynesville production to grow 9% to 1.3 Bcf/d in 2026.
The agency forecasts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per million British thermal units this year. The U.S. remained the world's largest natural gas producer through 2024, according to the EIA.
The EIA forecasts average U.S. natural gas production of 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026.
The prior annual record was 118.5 Bcf/d, set in 2025.
Most of the growth is coming from the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas.
Permian output is projected to average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, a 6% increase from 2025, driven by rising oil-focused drilling.
The EIA forecasts the Henry Hub spot price will average $3.44 per MMBtu in 2026.
