Natural gas production in the lower 48 United States averaged 69.1 million cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in September, breaking its previous monthly average high for the ninth consecutive month, according to Bentek Energy, an analytics and forecasting unit of Platts. 

The September production rate was up 4.8 Bcf/d from the same month one year ago. On September 15th, production reached a one-day high of 69.5 Bcf/d, with early data for the month of October suggesting the new record won't stand for long.   

Average September 2014 natural gas production was 0.2 Bcf/d or 0.3% higher than that of August 2014.     

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) will publish its domestic production estimates for September on or around November 30.       

"After a month of lower trajectory growth, natural gas production is poised to shatter existing records through the end of the year," said Jack Weixel, director of energy analysis for Bentek Energy. "Maintenance on several Northeast trunk lines was finished in early October and the region expects 2.2 Bcf/d of incremental pipeline capacity to be in service the 1st of November.  This relieves existing constraints in the field and opens up connections to market areas, just as the weather turns colder."    

The latest Bentek data analysis showed 2014 production will average approximately 67.9 Bcf/d due to a higher overall price environment for producers and continued growth in liquids-rich basins such as the Eagle Ford, Bakken, Permian and Greater Anadarko, in addition to continued increases in dry production in the Marcellus.