US Natgas Prices Sink 21% as Warmer Forecasts Emerge
US natural gas futures plummeted 21% to $3.42 per million British thermal units, erasing Friday’s 11.3% surge, as near term weather forecasts shifted toward milder conditions and reduced demand expectations. Forecasts through mid month point to warmer than normal temperatures across large parts of the country, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is likely to curb heating and power generation demand. This outlook offset the impact of ongoing frigid conditions in the southern US, where cold weather has prompted power saving efforts. Prices have been highly volatile in recent weeks, with the February contract surging to a three year high before expiring last Wednesday on storm related production disruptions and strong heating demand. The March contract jumped again on Friday following mixed forecasts and a bullish government storage report.