EIA data shows natural gas demand growing at 3.4% annually, outpacing petroleum’s 0.6%, signaling a historic fuel shift.
Natural gas is set to surpass petroleum as the leading U.S. energy source for the first time in 75 years. Current EIA data shows petroleum at 37% of consumption in 2025, with natural gas at 36%, a single percentage point behind.
The EIA projects petroleum demand will grow 0.6% through 2027, while natural gas demand rises 3.4%. EQT CEO Toby Rice expects the crossover within two years, with natural gas establishing a significant lead by 2030. The shift is driven by gas replacing coal in power generation and the shale revolution increasing supply.
Over 40% of U.S. electricity already comes from natural gas, with more than 100 coal plants converted or replaced since 2011. Wind and solar growth has also supported the transition, though gas remains the dominant fuel for power generation.