Natural Gas Prices – Biggest 2-Day Rise Since 2018
September 25, 2020
Between September 22 and 24 Natural Gas prices experienced a 23% gain in prices closing at $2.248/mmBtu, the highest two-day gain since November 11, 2018. Part of this is attributed to increased usage, and lower buildup of storage. The average five-year build of storage for the week ending on September 1st has been of 80Bcf, with an injection of 97Bcf in 2019. This year only 66Bcf were injected, raising concerns on how much additional injection capacity is available before Winter.
Another important factor to note is how liquefied natural gas (LNG) contributions dropped from an average of 8 Bcf/d to 5.5 Bcf/d after the arrival of Tropical Storm Beta, causing interruptions in the Gulf of Mexico. The recovery of LNG volumes over the coming weeks will be a key indicator for natural gas markets. Currently forecasts expect these contributions to stabilize between 6 – 7 Bcf/d.
The change in prices and storage are indicators of increased usage in natural gas, pointing to higher price risk and volatility over the coming months if this Winter season is strong.
