EIA: US Natural Gas Output on Track for 2026 Record


   
   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- U.S. marketed natural gas production is on track to 
reach a record in 2026, driven by increased output from the Permian and 
Haynesville regions, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said 
Wednesday (8/12).

   EIA forecasts marketed natural gas production will average 122.5 billion 
cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) this year, surpassing the previous record of 118.5 
Bcf/d set in 2025. Production averaged 121.3 Bcf/d during the first half of 
2026, up 4%, or 4.6 Bcf/d, from the same period in 2025.

   Permian natural gas production is forecast to average 29.2 Bcf/d in 2026, up 
6% from 2025, supported by oil-directed drilling and rising associated gas 
production. WTI crude averaged $84 bbl through July, compared with $65 bbl in 
2025.

   In the Haynesville, production is forecast to increase 9%, or 1.3 Bcf/d, 
this year. EIA said drilling remains economical at its forecast Henry Hub spot 
price of $3.44 MMBtu, while the region also benefits from its proximity to LNG 
export terminals and industrial consumers along the U.S. Gulf Coast.




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