U.S. natural gas production reached a record high in July 2026
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov. Work of the United States Government — public domain (17 U.S.C. §105). Reproduced with attribution. Original document ↗
In-brief analysis
October 2, 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 record for gross withdrawals in 2026, following five record-setting months in 2025.
The July 2026 record was driven primarily by new wells coming online in Texas and New Mexico. The Permian region, which includes parts of western Texas and eastern New Mexico, is one of the most prolific oil and gas regions in the world and has been experiencing increased gas-to-oil ratios. U.S. natural gas production grew in 2025 as a result of higher natural gas prices, continued gains in new well productivity, and increased operational efficiency.
Gross withdrawals in Texas and New Mexico increased by a combined 1.7 Bcf/d (3.2%) from June to July 2026. Gross withdrawals were also up in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota in July 2026, each by more than 0.1 Bcf/d.
New natural gas pipeline infrastructure is easing long-standing gas transport bottlenecks in Texas. One of these projects, the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, began interstate pipeline flows ahead of schedule this summer. New pipelines increase the takeaway capacity out of the Permian Basin to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on the Gulf Coast, supporting production growth.
We publish three different estimates of natural gas production:
- Gross withdrawals reflect the full well stream volume of natural gas from both oil and gas wells.
- Marketed production is gross withdrawals less gas used for repressuring, vented and flared gas, and nonhydrocarbon gases removed.
- Dry production reflects consumer-grade natural gas and excludes natural gas plant liquids.
July 2026 also set all-time records for marketed production and dry gas production.
Principal contributors: Stacy Angel, Naser Ameen
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, www.eia.gov. Original document ↗