U.S. fossil fuel production increased 2 percent in 2021, EIA reports

U.S. fossil fuels production increased 2 percent last year, reaching 77.14 quadrillion British thermal units, after falling in 2020, according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The combined total includes natural gas, crude oil, and coal.

Last year, natural gas plant liquids (NGPLs) accounted for 9 percent, coal for 15 percent, crude oil for 30 percent, and dry natural gas for 46 percent.

NGPL production increased by 4 percent and is expected to increase 9 percent in 2022. NGPLs are a coproduct of natural gas, and increases are linked to natural gas production.

Coal production increased by an estimated 7 percent and is expected to increase 6 percent in 2022.

Crude oil production dropped 1 percent in 2021 but is expected to increase 6 percent this year.

Dry natural gas production increased 2 percent and is expected to increase 3 percent in 2022.

The agency expects production to continue to rise in 2023, according to forecasts in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, setting a record.

In 2023, the agency forecasts dry natural gas NGPL production will increase 2 percent, crude oil production will increase 5 percent, coal production will increase 1 percent, and NGPL production will increase 4 percent.