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LNG Exports Remain Firm, But Demand Risk Lingers
Despite macro headwinds, LNG exports held strong. Net flows to US export terminals reached 16.3 Bcf/d on Friday, up 9.1% week-over-week. This remains a key area of support for prices. Traders are also watching US storage levels, which BloombergNEF projects will be 10% below the five-year average by summer—keeping bullish positioning alive even as near-term drivers remain mixed.
Storage Injection Caps Upside Despite Supply Tightness
EIA data showed a +57 Bcf injection for the week ended April 4, broadly in line with expectations but well above the five-year average of +17 Bcf for this period. Storage remains 2.1% below the five-year norm and 19.8% under last year, signaling tight underlying supply. Still, the size of the injection gave the market little reason to rally.
Dry gas production held at 106.2 Bcf/d, up 4.7% y/y, while demand reached 76.7 Bcf/d, up 11.4% y/y. Electricity output rose 4.05% y/y, suggesting firm baseline power burn, but not yet summer-driven demand.
Mixed Weather and Modest Rig Uptick Add Pressure
Weather outlooks are neutral to slightly bearish. The Commodity Weather Group sees above-normal temps in the West and seasonal conditions elsewhere from April 16–20—limiting late-season heating demand. Baker Hughes reported an increase of one rig, bringing the gas rig count to 97, still historically low but off recent lows.
Market Forecast: Slightly Bearish Bias Ahead
With trade tension clouding demand outlooks and weather offering no near-term support, nat-gas looks vulnerable to further downside. LNG flows and tight storage remain bullish anchors, but unless a weather or export catalyst emerges, price action may continue to drift lower in the near term.
More Information in our Economic Calendar.
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