U.S. Gas Production Expected to Set 2026 Record

U.S. natural gas production is forecast to set a second consecutive annual record in 2026, reaching about 112.2 billion cubic feet per day, with further growth expected in 2027. Rising output from the Permian Basin and Haynesville is expected to meet stronger demand, especially a projected 17% increase in liquefied natural gas exports and additional electricity needs from data centers. Major producers Expand Energy and EQT expect to increase production while holding spending steady or reducing it; EQT’s planned $13 billion acquisition of Range Resources would create the country’s largest gas producer. Separately, renewable generation is also expanding rapidly, though it is not the focus of the production forecasts.