Nat-Gas Prices Rebound in Anticipation of a Large Inventory Withdrawal

Core Insights - Natural gas prices experienced a recovery, closing up by 1.41% on March Nymex, driven by short-covering and expectations of a significant withdrawal from US natural gas storage levels [1] Group 1: Price Movements - March natural gas prices rose after hitting a four-week low, with a consensus expectation of a withdrawal of 257 billion cubic feet (bcf) from US nat-gas inventories, significantly higher than the five-year average of 146 bcf [1] - Initial price movements were downward due to forecasts of above-average temperatures in the US, which are expected to reduce heating demand for natural gas [2] Group 2: Production and Demand - The EIA has increased its forecast for US dry natural gas production in 2026 to 109.97 bcf/day, up from 108.82 bcf/day, indicating a bearish outlook for prices as production approaches record highs [3] - Current US dry gas production stands at 112.8 bcf/day, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 7.1%, while demand has decreased to 99.0 bcf/day, down 11.7% year-over-year [5] Group 3: Market Influences - A significant spike in natural gas prices occurred on January 28 due to a massive storm that caused Arctic cold weather, leading to production disruptions and increased heating demand [4] - The Edison Electric Institute reported a year-over-year increase in US electricity output, which may support natural gas prices, with a rise of 15.42% to 91,459.5 GWh for the week ending February 7 [6]