Rare Natural Gas Storage Draw, Price Boost Possible – Despite Hurricane Impacts
Natural gas futures rallied five out of six sessions leading into Wednesday in large part because of expectations for a paltry storage print this week.
Natural gas futures rallied five out of six sessions leading into Wednesday in large part because of expectations for a paltry storage print this week.
Weekly natural gas cash prices sank as former Hurricane Debby curbed demand in the East and West Texas prices sank deeper into the negative.
Natural gas futures pushed higher for a fourth day on Friday, supported by weaker spot prices and maintenance projects curbing production, reversing its jump to a five-month high in the previous week.
Natural gas futures were up early Friday and headed toward a fourth consecutive day of gains as traders digested a bullish storage print, lighter production estimates and a looming heat wave.
Against a backdrop of solid demand, possible production cuts and potentially modest August storage injections, natural gas forward prices during the Aug. 1-8 trading period found room to move higher.
Natural gas futures on Thursday fell early but gained ground through midday trading as a bullish government assessment of supplies in storage overshadowed near-term weakness in weather demand. However, the prompt month then retreated to near even in early afternoon trading. Spot prices slipped.
Natural gas futures forged further ahead early Wednesday, supported by bargain buying and expectations for a bullish government inventory print.
Natural gas futures jumped on Tuesday to end a four-day slide as lighter production readings and mild impacts from remnants of former Hurricane Debby provided the catalyst for a relief rally.
Natural gas futures mustered momentum on Tuesday – after losing ground the day before and last week – amid lighter production readings, bargain buying and short covering.
Natural gas futures hovered in a narrow range early Tuesday, with traders assessing the impacts of the former Hurricane Debby and mixed weather forecasts.