Regional volatility continues in the Western Region while national markets see some respite with strong storage and milder weather.

Fall brought a substantial drop in natural gas prices, which is being eroded by volatile November forecasts and seasonal uncertainty. Record natural gas production is helping anchor prices.

Strong storage injections reflect waning shoulder season demand, robust production levels, and added domestic supply benefit from the protracted Freeport LNG outage in June.

Storage inventories remain near the five year low. Strong international LNG demand and forecasts of above normal temperatures for the latter part of September are unlikely to provide much price relief.

Fundamentals remain bullish, with modest storage deficits, nominal monthly production growth, and medium-term LNG growth on track.

A decrease in demand from cooler temperatures and the temporary closure of the Freeport LNG export terminal has reduced prices, but lagging supply and a warm July may keep them from falling further.

Double-digit summertime pricing has materialized. Risk can be mitigated with a diversified buying strategy. Many facilities are avoiding supplier premiums by relying on index-heavy strategies.

Low gas inventories, continued wartime uncertainty, and general commodities bullishness are causing upward pricing momentum. There appears to be no limit to how high prices could rise.

Long-term deals are more cost effective than short-term ones. Risk can be mitigated with a diversified buying strategy. Many facilities are avoiding supplier premiums by relying on index-heavy strategies.

Strong LNG demand, cooler weather, and geopolitical headlines have been bullish near-term drivers. Natural gas prices remain volatile with energy prices climbing due to the Ukrainian crisis.