US natural gas futures declined in midday trading on Monday as strong domestic production, softer demand, and elevated inventories weighed on sentiment.
The front-month Henry Hub contract dropped by 3.59% to $3.172 per million British thermal units, while the continuous contract lost 3.50% to $3.175/MMBtu.
Traders brushed aside media reports on Iran's exit from US talks and the Strait of Hormuz risks, which had lifted European gas futures prices on Monday, and focused on modest domestic demand and ample supply.
Demand weakened through last week before stabilizing at the start of the new week, according to NRG Energy.
US consumption dropped from above 100 billion cubic feet per day to below 95 Bcf/d by Saturday, before recovering to nearly 100 Bcf/d on Monday. The decline was driven mainly by lower power burn and a modest dip in exports to Mexico.
On the supply side, dry gas production rose 0.6 Bcf/d week over week, with output up 3.4 Bcf/d compared with the same period last year, NRG Energy said. Trading Economics reported that Lower 48 production averaged 109.4 Bcf/d in May, slightly below April's 109.8 Bcf/d.
Last week, the US Energy Information Administration reported that stock levels were 144 Bcf, or 6%, above the five-year average for this time of year.
LNG export flows were largely steady but eased over the past few days, mainly due to ongoing scheduled maintenance.
Feedgas volumes held near 17.4 Bcf/d for most of the week before slipping to 16.9 Bcf/d over the weekend, NRG Energy said. Trading Economics noted flows to major US LNG export facilities averaged 17.1 Bcf/d in May, down from a record 18.8 Bcf/d in April.
Despite the latest pullback, prices remain volatile after a sharp monthly swing. US natural gas futures surged 18.9% in May following a 4.1% decline in April, Trading Economics said.