# US LNG Exports and Natural Gas Production Reach Records > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-lng-demand-growth-projections > Updated: 2026-08-31T05:02:17.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 8. The United States continues to solidify its position as a global energy superpower, driven by massive growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and domestic production. The Department of Energy (DOE) projects that export volumes will double by 2031, a trend expected to add approximately $1.4 trillion to the U.S. GDP and create 550,000 jobs by 2040. Data from the Energy Institute’s 2026 Statistical Review confirms that in 2025, U.S. exporters supplied 93% of the world’s incremental LNG. Recent production trends show historic levels, with August 2026 average production across the lower 48 states reaching a record 111.4 Bcf/d. Natural gas prices have declined to $2.87 per MMBtu as traders weigh increased supply, though price drops were partially mitigated by forecasts of above-average temperatures in the eastern U.S. that could sustain high cooling demand. Supply is being bolstered by new infrastructure, including Energy Transfer LP’s Hugh Brinson Pipeline, which began operations on September 1 to transport 2.2 Bcf/d from the Permian Basin to eastern Texas. While demand at LNG export facilities in Corpus Christi and Freeport is improving, new drivers are emerging. The EIA projects dry gas production will rise to 115.9 bcfd by 2027, while domestic consumption is forecasted to reach 94.3 bcfd. This demand is increasingly driven by expanding LNG capacity and a 50% jump in gas-fired capacity development intended to serve data centers. Analysts warn that if production fails to keep pace with the combined needs of data centers and LNG exports, consumers could face significant price shocks. As natural gas grows, the EIA projects coal production could reach its lowest level since 1963 by 2027, potentially decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. ## Claims - Global coal demand is projected to grow by 1.2% in 2026, reaching 8.94 billion tonnes. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Geopolitical disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased natural gas prices, driving a shift toward coal-fired power. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Global coal production is expected to decrease by 0.7% in 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - If natural gas prices stabilize and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz recover, coal demand could decline by 0.4% in 2027. (corroborated by 2 sources) - India's coal demand is expected to rise by 4.2% in 2026, reaching 1,353 million tonnes. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: U.S. natural gas prices fall amid record production and new pipeline capacity U.S. natural gas prices fell to $2.87 per MMBtu amid record production and new pipeline capacity, even as rising crude oil prices and high temperature forecasts provided market support. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-natural-gas-prices-fall-amid-record-production-and-new-pipeline-capacity ### 2026-08-18: U.S. natural gas production projected to hit record 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026 The EIA forecasts record U.S. natural gas production of 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026, driven by growth in the Permian Basin and Haynesville Shale. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-natural-gas-production-projected-to-hit-record-1225-bcfd-in-2026 ### 2026-08-12: US natural gas production projected to hit record 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026 The EIA forecasts U.S. natural gas production will hit a record 122.5 Bcf/d in 2026, driven by growth in the Permian and Haynesville regions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-natural-gas-production-projected-to-reach-record-high-in-2026 ### 2026-08-05: United States LNG accounts for 93% of global export growth in 2025, Energy Institute reports U.S. LNG supplied 31 bcm of the 33 bcm global increase in 2025, representing 93 % of export growth, while the United States led oil and gas production worldwide, according to the Energy Institute’s review. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-lng-accounts-for-93-of-global-export-growth-in-2025-energy-institute-reports ### 2026-07-26: United States LNG Exports Surge as DOE Highlights Record Growth The U.S. DOE says LNG exports are rising sharply, with plans to double volumes by 2031, add $1.4 trillion to GDP and create 550,000 jobs, while domestic gas prices stay low. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-lng-exports-surge-as-doe-highlights-record-growth ### 2026-07-24: United States Emerges as Global LNG Superpower U.S. supplied 93% of 2025 global LNG export growth, reaching 5.2 tcf and a 25.4% market share, driven by shale gas and Gulf Coast infrastructure, and is set to become the country’s second‑largest net export. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-emerges-as-global-lng-superpower ### 2026-07-11: LNG demand to soar by 2050, fueling Shell outlook and GTT order boom Shell forecasts global LNG demand to reach nearly 700 Mt/yr by 2050, while GTT sees strong tanker and storage orders, highlighting a growing market amid supply route tensions. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lng-demand-to-soar-by-2050-fueling-shell-outlook-and-gtt-order-boom ### 2026-06-30: Shell projects global LNG demand to rise 65% by 2050 Shell’s LNG Outlook 2026 expects global demand to hit ~700 Mt/yr by 2050, a 65% rise from 2025, driven by Asia’s shift from coal and growing data‑centre power, with new supply and infrastructure needed. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shell-projects-global-lng-demand-to-rise-65-by-2050 --- Cite as: US LNG Exports and Natural Gas Production Reach Records. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-lng-demand-growth-projections