US Natural Gas Market Poised for Record Growth as Drilling Efficiency Improves

The US natural gas market is on track for record growth in the coming years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), production is expected to reach a record high of 111.7 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2026, up from 107.6 bcfd in 2025. By 2027, domestic supply is projected to hit 115.9 bcfd.

The EIA attributes the growth to increased drilling efficiency, rising electricity demand, and expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity. Key plays like the Permian and Haynesville shale gas regions are leading the charge. As a result, US gas inventories are on track to start the winter about 5% above the five-year average.

The agency also forecasts that average U.S. liquefied natural gas exports will rise from a record 15.1 bcfd in 2025 to 17.4 bcfd in 2026 and 18.6 bcfd in 2027. Meanwhile, the oil industry is shifting its focus towards improving operational performance and capital efficiency.