U.S. natural gas production reached a record high in July 2026
U.S. natural gas production hit an all-time high in July 2026, driven primarily by increased output in the Permian Basin, according to our latest Natural Gas Monthly. Gross withdrawals—the total volume of gas extracted at the wellhead—reached a record 137 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in July 2026. It was the first new monthly ...
In July 2026, the United States experienced a historic milestone in natural gas production, reaching an unprecedented high. The surge was primarily attributed to heightened output in the Permian Basin, a prolific oil and gas region spanning parts of Texas and New Mexico. Gross withdrawals, representing the total volume of gas extracted at the wellhead, surged to an all-time record of 137 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d).
This marked the first time in 2026 that monthly records for gross withdrawals had been set, following five consecutive record months in 2025.
The July 2026 record was largely propelled by the commissioning of new wells in Texas and New Mexico. The Permian Basin, known for its impressive gas-to-oil ratios, has been witnessing a significant increase in natural gas production due to higher prices, improved productivity of new wells, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Notably, Texas and New Mexico experienced a combined increase of 1.7 Bcf/d (3.2%) in gross withdrawals from June to July 2026. Similar growth was observed in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, with each region witnessing an increase of over 0.1 Bcf/d.
The infrastructure development in the form of new natural gas pipelines is also playing a crucial role in this production boom. Projects like the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, which began interstate pipeline flows ahead of schedule, are easing long-standing bottlenecks in gas transport from the Permian Basin to LNG export terminals on the Gulf Coast. Such improvements are augmenting the region's capacity to export natural gas, thereby supporting continued growth in production.
The data on natural gas production is compiled through three distinct measures: gross withdrawals, marketed production, and dry production. Gross withdrawals account for the entirety of the well stream volume of natural gas, encompassing oil and gas wells. Marketed production deducts gas utilized for repressuring, vented, and flared gas, as well as nonhydrocarbon gases.
On the other hand, dry production focuses on consumer-grade natural gas, excluding natural gas plant liquids. July 2026 also set new records for both marketed production and dry gas production.
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