November Nymex natural gas (NGX23) on Thursday closed -0.033 (-0.98%).
Nat-gas prices on Thursday closed moderately lower as updated weather forecasts called for warmer U.S. temperatures, which will reduce heating demand for nat-gas. The Commodity Weather Group said above-normal temperatures are expected in the western U.S. from October 17-21, with mild temperatures in the central and northeastern U.S. Losses in nat-gas prices were limited Thursday by carryover support from a rally in European nat-gas prices to a 7-month high.
Nat-gas prices have support on concerns about global supplies after Chevron shut down a nat-gas production field in Israel because of safety concerns after Hamas militants attacked Israel over the weekend. As a result of the drop in fuel flows, Egypt said it is re-examining plans to export LNG to Europe.
Lower-48 state dry gas production Thursday was 101.7 bcf/day (+1.8% y/y), according to BNEF. Lower-48 state gas demand Thursday was 66.3 bcf/day, +3.6% y/y, according to BNEF. LNG net flows to U.S. LNG export terminals on Thursday were 13.9 bcf/day or +6.1% w/w.
High inventories caused by carryover from the mild 2022/23 winter and weak heating demand have undercut nat-gas prices. Gas storage across Europe was 97% full as of October 8, above the 5-year seasonal average of 89% full for this time of year. U.S. nat-gas inventories as of October 6 were +4.8% above their 5-year seasonal average.
An increase in U.S. electricity output is bullish for nat-gas demand from utility providers. The Edison Electric Institute reported Thursday that total U.S. electricity output in the week ended October 7 rose +9.0% y/y to 75,962 GWh (gigawatt hours), although cumulative U.S. electricity output in the 52-week period ending October 7 fell -0.5% y/y to 4,093,875 GWh.
Thursday's weekly EIA report of +84 bcf for the week ended October 6 was neutral for nat-gas prices since it was right on expectations of +94 bcf and the 5-year average for this time of year at +103 bcf. As of October 6, nat-gas inventories were up +9.2% y/y and were +4.8% above their 5-year seasonal average, signaling ample nat-gas supplies.
Baker Hughes reported last Friday that the number of active U.S. nat-gas drilling rigs in the week ended October 6 rose by +2 to 118 rigs, modestly above the 19-month low of 113 rigs from September 8. Active rigs rose to a 4-year high of 166 rigs in September 2022. Active rigs have roughly doubled from the record low of 68 rigs posted in July 2020 (data since 1987).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
