The near-term gas market is well supplied, but the forward balance is tightening. EIA projects U.S. dry gas production at about 111.0 Bcf/d in 2026 and 113.6 Bcf/d in 2027.
Demand is rising with it. EIA expects LNG exports to increase from 15.1 Bcf/d in 2025 to about 17.0-17.2 Bcf/d in 2026 as new trains ramp.
Power demand is the second pillar. Summer gas-fired power burn is forecast near 43.7 Bcf/d, supported by data centers, manufacturing load, and warmer weather risk.
For buyers, the message is timing. Current storage is comfortable, but winter and 2027 exposure should reflect rising export and power-sector demand.
Do not hedge the full forward curve on a single weather week. Use storage data for near-term timing and LNG/power demand for longer-dated exposure.