US natural gas stockpiles in underground storage stood at 2,983 billion cubic feet for the week ending July 3, up 61 Bcf from the previous week, the Energy Information Administration said in its weekly report Thursday.
Inventories were 15 Bcf below year-ago levels and 185 Bcf above the five-year average of 2,798 Bcf.
At 2,983 Bcf, total working gas remains within the five-year historical range, the EIA said.
The net increase is above market expectations for a 60-Bcf build, according to data from Investing.com.