US Natgas Prices Fall from 2-Year Highs
US natural gas futures fell over 5% to $4/MMBtu, retreating from a two-year high as forecasts pointed to milder weather in February. The American weather model shifted significantly warmer overnight, reducing heating degree days (HDD) by 13. Prices rose in the previous three sessions amid predictions of colder weather over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, which is expected to freeze gas wells and pipes, driving up heating demand. Meanwhile, federal data showed a significant withdrawal of 258 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas from storage for the week ending January 10, far exceeding the 150 bcf withdrawn in the same week last year and the five-year average of 128 bcf. Analysts anticipate even larger withdrawals, exceeding 200 bcf, for the weeks ending January 17 and 24 due to increased heating needs. Additionally, gas flows to the eight major US LNG export facilities have hit a record daily high, further boosting overall demand.