In this strategic outlook for the year ahead, NGI's Christopher Lenton, managing editor of Mexico, and Patrick Rau, senior vice president of research and analysis, sit down to discuss the natural gas market in a shifting supply landscape.

While industry sentiment is overwhelmingly bullish, the discussion explores a critical tension: Can a 6% Henry Hub price premium survive the current storage surplus on top of the unpredictability of winter weather? From the massive growth in LNG exports to the regulatory hurdles facing data center expansion, the conversation delves into whether North American producers can ramp up production in time to meet the 4 Bcf/d demand surge projected for the coming year.

As the new year dawns, the U.S. energy industry is facing a complex future, filled with opportunities for extending LNG exports, advancing power solutions and building infrastructure. Deloitte’s Kate Hardin joined NGI’s Carolyn Davis, managing editor-news, to offer insight about the firm’s 2026 oil and gas forecast.

It’s innovation that will guide the future, Hardin said. This is the beginning of an exciting year for the oil and gas industry, as it continues expanding efficiencies and improving technologies.

Could natural gas prices strengthen? Will utilities advance more natural gas-fired capacity? What about regulations and government policies? Could they stymie investments?

Hardin discusses that and more in an insightful discussion.

The heating season is off to a roaring start, with forecasters calling for one of the chilliest Decembers in recent memory. IAF Advisors owner Kyle Cooper joins NGI senior editor Andrew Baker to discuss the implications for natural gas supply, demand and prices as winter gets underway. Cooper breaks down how soaring heating demand could rapidly deplete natural gas inventories, and send already elevated gas prices even higher.

He cites the example of last winter, a normal one by historical standards, that nonetheless triggered a massive pull on storage in January. Cooper also discusses the impacts of record LNG exports and the evolving electricity mix on natural gas power burns and storage trends. As demand continues to rise, Cooper explains how the supply picture will evolve as producers in the Haynesville Shale, Permian Basin and Appalachia adapt to a constantly changing market.