U.S. natural gas futures advanced Friday following a smaller-than-anticipated domestic stockpile report. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 16 billion cubic feet (Bcf) injection for the week ending August 14. This figure fell significantly below the five-year average build of 29 Bcf.
The data signals a tighter supply-demand balance due to strong power-sector cooling demand. Late-summer heatwaves across the Southern and Western United States are driving this consumption. The smaller injection narrowed the storage surplus relative to the five-year average.
Natural gas (NG=F) rose over 2% to approximately $2.81 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in early trading. Withdrawals from salt storage facilities in the South Central region further supported the price reaction. These withdrawals highlight the intensity of regional cooling demand.