EIA Forecasts U.S. Oil Production Increase in April with Stable Natural Gas Output
The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects U.S. oil production to average 13.64 million barrels per day in April, up from 13.56 million in March. Natural gas production is expected to average 120.3 billion cubic feet per day in both April and May, slightly down from March. Long-term demand forecasts for oil and natural gas remain unchanged for 2026 but show minor adjustments for 2027.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)The U.S. 56 million bpd in March. 59 million bpd in May. S. 5 Bcf/d in March. 3 Bcf/d. These projections reflect monthly adjustments based on current market data and operational trends.
The EIA maintains its forecast for U.S. 6 million bpd in 2026, unchanged from the prior estimate. 7 million bpd, also matching the previous forecast. 4 Bcf/d. 1 Bcf/d. These demand figures incorporate expectations for economic growth, industrial activity, and energy consumption patterns.
EIA reports are based on statistical models, survey data from producers, and economic indicators.
The April forecast shows a modest uptick in oil output amid steady drilling activity in key regions like the Permian Basin. Natural gas production stability aligns with balanced supply from associated gas in oil fields and dedicated gas wells. No major disruptions or policy changes are factored into these near-term projections.
Longer-term forecasts account for potential shifts in global energy markets and domestic consumption.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Latest EIA Release
EIA published monthly production forecasts for U.S. oil and natural gas in April and May.
1 sourceFirstSquawk - Prior Month
U.S. oil production averaged 13.56 million bpd and natural gas 120.5 Bcf/d in March.
1 sourceFirstSquawk - 2026 Forecast Update
EIA revised natural gas demand downward to 90.6 Bcf/d for 2026 while holding oil demand steady.
1 sourceFirstSquawk - 2027 Forecast
EIA projects oil demand at 20.7 million bpd and natural gas at 92.7 Bcf/d for 2027.
1 sourceFirstSquawk
Potential Impact
- 01
Increased oil production supports stable domestic supply and export volumes.
- 02
Stable natural gas output maintains pricing equilibrium in U.S. markets.
- 03
Unchanged oil demand projections guide long-term refining capacity planning.
- 04
Lower 2026 natural gas demand forecast reduces expected infrastructure investments.
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