The Energy Information Administration reported that United States natural gas production reached an all-time high in July 2026, with gross withdrawals hitting a record 137 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). This marked the first monthly production peak for the current year, following five record-setting months in 2025. The surge was driven primarily by increased output from new wells coming online in the Permian Basin, which spans western Texas and eastern New Mexico.
What it means
Gross withdrawals in Texas and New Mexico rose by a combined 1.7 Bcf/d, or 3.2%, between June and July 2026. Production also increased in Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, with each state recording gains of more than 0.1 Bcf/d during the same period. The EIA noted that new natural gas pipeline infrastructure is easing long-standing transport bottlenecks in Texas, including the Hugh Brinson Pipeline, which began interstate flows ahead of schedule this summer.
These new pipelines expand takeaway capacity from the Permian Basin to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals on the Gulf Coast. The agency attributed broader 2025 production growth to higher natural gas prices, continued gains in new well productivity, and increased operational efficiency. July 2026 also set all-time records for marketed production and dry gas production.
Key facts
- Gross withdrawals reached a record 137 Bcf/d in July 2026.
- This was the first monthly production record of 2026; five occurred in 2025.
- Texas and New Mexico withdrawals rose by a combined 1.7 Bcf/d (3.2%) from June to July.
- Louisiana, Oklahoma, and North Dakota each saw increases of more than 0.1 Bcf/d in July.
- The Hugh Brinson Pipeline began interstate flows ahead of schedule this summer.
- New pipelines increase capacity to LNG export terminals on the Gulf Coast.
- July 2026 set records for marketed production and dry gas production.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration release