US Natgas Prices Climb on Rising LNG Flows
US natural gas futures rose 7% to $4.10 per MMBtu on Friday as flows to liquefied natural gas export plants increased, including the likely return of a liquefaction train at Freeport LNG in Texas. LNG feedgas was on track to rise for a fourth day in a row to 17.9 bcfd after dropping to a one-year low of 11.5 bcfd earlier this week due to winter storm disruptions. The price gain came despite forecasts for milder weather and lower heating demand over the week, as well as a rebound in US output from frozen wells. Average production in the Lower 48 states fell to 106.2 bcfd in January, down from a record 109.7 bcfd in December, though daily output was rising for a fifth day to 105.7 bcfd after a two-year low of 92.5 bcfd on Sunday. Weather is expected to remain colder than normal through February 14. Futures were on track for a 14% gain in January following a 23% decline last month.