US on track for record natural gas production in 2026: EIA

The U.S. is on track to achieve a record natural gas production in 2026, according to the latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Forecasts anticipate an average daily production of 122.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf/d), surpassing the previous record of 118.5 Bcf/d set in 2025. This increase of approximately 3.4% in a single year highlights the United States' growing significance in global gas markets.

Notably, the Permian Basin is a crucial region for this surge, with associated gas production during oil extraction driven by crude oil prices. The growth is also fueled by production in Appalachia and the Haynesville shale plays, which benefit from their proximity to major LNG export terminals and industrial consumers. As U.S. LNG exports expand, the country's influence in global energy markets amplifies, positioning it as a crucial swing supplier amid global trade disruptions.