US Natural Gas Output and Demand to Hit Record Highs by 2026
US natural gas production and demand are poised to reach record highs in 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Short-Term Energy Outlook. The EIA projects dry gas production will rise from a record 107.6 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to 111.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2026 and 116 billion cubic feet per day in 2027.
Domestic gas consumption is also expected to increase, reaching a record high of 92 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, up from 91.9 billion cubic feet per day in 2025. The EIA forecasts that average US liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports will rise from a record 15.1 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to 17.4 billion cubic feet per day in 2026 and 18.6 billion cubic feet per day in 2027.
The EIA also notes that gas inventories are expected to reach a decade high of four trillion cubic feet in October, providing a buffer for increased heating-related consumption during the winter months. This is due to rising output and lower consumption by LNG export facilities undergoing maintenance.