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US Natural Gas Update: Prices Edge Higher in Subdued Trade

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US natural gas futures ticked up slightly in midday trade on Monday as forecasts for hotter weather later this week offset pressure from strong domestic production and slightly weaker LNG export demand.

The front-month Henry Hub contract and the continuous contract each rose 0.47% to $2.76 per million British thermal units.

NatGasWeather.com forecast moderate-to-high national demand over the next two to three days, strengthening to high-to-very-high demand during days four through seven.

The forecaster said hot conditions would persist across the western and southern US, with daytime highs ranging from the 90s to 110s degrees Fahrenheit, while rainfall would keep large parts of the rest of the country cooler through Wednesday.

It added that most of the country is expected to turn hot to very hot from Thursday through Sunday, with highs in the 90s to 110s, except for cooler temperatures in the 70s and 80s across the Northern Plains.

NRG Energy said US natural gas production increased last week, peaking at 109.4 billion cubic feet per day on Friday before easing to 108.5 Bcf/d over the weekend.

Trading Economics said its estimates show production remained robust overall through July, with output in the Lower 48 states averaging around 110.6 Bcf/d, matching the record monthly high set in December 2025.

NRG said total natural gas demand fell to 108 Bcf/d from 114.5 Bcf/d last week, driven primarily by lower power-sector consumption as milder temperatures reduced cooling demand.

LNG export demand eased slightly in July, with flows to major export terminals averaging 17.2 Bcf/d, down from 17.4 Bcf/d in June, partly due to scheduled maintenance at Freeport LNG's Texas facility, Trading Economics said.

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