Permian Basin Drives Record Natural Gas Production in July 2026
US natural gas production reached a new high in July 2026, largely due to increased output in the Permian Basin. Gross withdrawals, which measure the total volume of gas extracted at the wellhead, hit a record 137 billion cubic feet per day (bcf/d). This marked the first monthly record of 2026, following five record-setting months in 2025.
The surge was driven by new wells in Texas and New Mexico, part of the Permian region. This area, known for its high oil and gas production, has seen rising gas-to-oil ratios. Higher natural gas prices, improved well productivity, and better operational efficiency also contributed to the growth.
Gross withdrawals in Texas and New Mexico rose by 1.7 bcf/d, or 3.2%, from June to July 2026. Other states like Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota also saw increases. New pipeline projects, such as the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, have helped reduce transport bottlenecks, supporting production growth.
July 2026 also set records for marketed production and dry gas production. The EIA distinguishes between these metrics: gross withdrawals include all gas extracted, marketed production excludes gas used for repressuring or flared, and dry production reflects consumer-grade gas.