US Natural Gas Production to Hit New Record in 2026
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts that American natural gas production will reach a record high of 122.5 billion cubic feet per day in 2026, surpassing last year's previous record of 118.5 Bcf/d.
The EIA attributes the growth to two primary regions: the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico, which is expected to produce 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, a 6% increase from 2025; and the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and East Texas, which will see a 9% growth rate for full-year 2026.
The Permian Basin's natural gas production is increasing due to mature reservoirs, resulting in a higher gas-to-oil ratio. The Haynesville Shale, one of the deepest shale plays in the Lower 48, is experiencing significant growth, with its proximity to LNG export terminals and major industrial corridors contributing to its importance.
The midstream sector is investing in new pipeline capacity to match production growth, with Texas accounting for two-thirds of planned capacity additions. The WhiteWater-led Blackcomb Pipeline and Energy Transfer's Hugh Brinson Pipeline are among the projects under construction or soon to enter service, while Golden Pass LNG has already begun producing LNG.