US Natgas Bounces Back as Demand Forecast Improves
US natural gas futures jumped over 7% to above $3.3/MMBtu, supported by forecasts for stronger demand, ahead of the front-month contract's expiration. Earlier in the day, prices slid to a five-month low amid rising output and expectations of mild weather through mid-May, which could limit heating and cooling needs. Meanwhile, gas output in the Lower 48 states climbed to a record 106.5 bcfd in April, and demand is expected to ease slightly next week. Increased flows to LNG export plants, particularly Venture Global’s Plaquemines project, have boosted export volumes, and the U.S. remains the world’s top LNG supplier. Still, gas prices in Europe and Asia hovered near multi-month lows due to weaker global demand.