US natural gas production projected to hit record 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that marketed natural gas production will reach a record 122.5 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2026. This represents a 3.4% increase over the 2025 record of 118.5 Bcf/d.

Growth is primarily driven by the Permian region in Texas and New Mexico, and the Haynesville region in Louisiana and Texas. Permian production is expected to rise by 6%, largely as a byproduct of crude oil drilling supported by higher oil prices. Haynesville production is projected to increase by 9%, with activity in that region being more sensitive to Henry Hub spot prices.

In the first half of 2026, natural gas output averaged 121.3 Bcf/d, a 4% increase compared to the same period last year. The EIA forecasts that the Henry Hub spot price will decrease by 2% to an average of $3.44 per million British thermal units in 2026.