U.S. sets records in oil and natural gas output; energy costs fall

Chris Wright, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy
Chris Wright, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy
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The U.S. Department of Energy has reported record-high levels of domestic oil and natural gas production, which officials say are contributing to lower energy costs for Americans. According to the department, U.S. crude oil production reached an all-time high of 13.6 million barrels per day in 2025, with expectations that this trend will continue into 2026.

Gasoline prices have dropped to a four-year low, averaging about $2.90 per gallon nationwide, and can be found for under $3 per gallon in 43 states.

Natural gas production is also at historic highs, projected to reach 109 billion cubic feet per day this year. The Energy Department credits programs such as the Energy Dominance Financing Program, established under the Working Families Tax cut, for supporting ongoing development of natural gas projects across the country.

According to data from the American Gas Association, over the past 17 years—including forecasts through 2025—natural gas usage has resulted in inflation-adjusted savings of $1.6 trillion compared to prices seen during recovery efforts in 2008. This translates to an average savings of $3,445 for each American household.

Efforts are underway by the department to rebuild strategic reserves after a significant drawdown in 2022. In November 2025, contracts were awarded for deliveries totaling one million barrels of crude oil to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve from December 2025 through January 2026.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the United States are increasing rapidly and are expected to double by decade’s end. The department notes that it has resumed regular LNG export reviews after previous restrictions were imposed in early 2024 pending environmental assessments. A study completed by the DOE in September 2023 found that LNG exports did not significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions or increase energy costs domestically.

Secretary Chris Wright issued his first Secretarial Order directing efforts to “Unleash Golden Era of American Energy Dominance.” As a result, more than 17.6 billion cubic feet per day of LNG exports were authorized or re-authorized in 2025—a volume over 70% greater than what is currently exported by the world’s second-largest supplier.

Regulatory changes have been made under current leadership, including rescinding requirements that previously delayed LNG project commencements and removing barriers on using LNG as marine fuel—a policy reversal from earlier oversight measures affecting facilities like JAX LNG near Jacksonville, Florida.

On June 11, 2025, JERA—a Japanese energy company—announced with Secretary Wright and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum new commitments for long-term purchases of U.S.-produced LNG through several agreements lasting up to twenty years. These deals will secure up to 5.5 million tonnes annually for JERA and are projected to contribute over $200 billion to U.S. GDP while supporting more than fifty thousand jobs each year.

A finalized study on LNG exports released by the department in May 2025 concluded that robust supplies exist within the United States; increased exports support economic growth and job creation; and national security is enhanced as a result.



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