Key facts
- US energy firms expect 2026 to be a second consecutive year of record natural gas production.
- EQT Corp. is acquiring Range Resources for $13 billion in an all-stock deal.
- The combined EQT and Range entity will have over 9 bcfed of net production.
- US gas production is projected to reach 112.2 bcfd in 2026, up from 107.6 bcfd in 2025.
- US gas demand is expected to rise to 120.0 bcfd in 2026, driven by a 17% increase in LNG exports.
US energy companies are poised for a second consecutive year of record natural gas production in 2026, fueled by robust global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and the energy needs of burgeoning data centers. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts production to climb from 107.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2025 to 112.2 bcfd in 2026 and 116.1 bcfd in 2027. Total US gas demand is also projected to increase from 116.5 bcfd in 2025 to 120.0 bcfd in 2026, primarily driven by a 17% surge in LNG exports. Growth is expected to come from associated gas in the Permian Basin and the Haynesville shale region.