US Natgas Prices Approach $2.8/MMBtu
US natural gas futures rose to near $2.8/MMBtu, influenced by an impending hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico and forecasts for stronger-than-expected demand. The National Hurricane Center predicts that Tropical Depression 18 will strengthen into a hurricane as it moves toward Cuba and the Gulf, potentially weakening to a tropical storm before nearing Louisiana by the weekend. Looking ahead, while temperatures are expected to remain warmer than average until mid-November, cooler weather is anticipated later in the month. Meanwhile, U.S. LNG exports decreased to 12.0 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) from October’s 13.1 bcfd, primarily due to a temporary shutdown at Freeport. On the supply side, production is projected to increase in late 2024 and into 2025 to support new LNG facilities, including Venture Global’s Plaquemines plant and Cheniere Energy’s expansion in Texas.