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US: EIA Natural Gas Report
| Actual | Previous | |
| Week over Week | -166bcf | -167bcf |
Highlights
Natural gas in storage drops by a large, seasonal 166 billion cubic feet to 3,413 billion in the December 19 week from 3,579 bcf in the prior week as winter extraction season continues. Natural gas in storage is down by 129 bcf or 3.6 percent from 3,542 bcf in the year-ago week. Compared with the 5-year average of 3,437 bcf, natural gas stocks in the latest week are down 24 bcf or 0.7 percent.
Definition
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) provides weekly information on natural gas stocks in underground storage for the U.S. and five regions of the country. The level of inventories helps determine prices for natural gas products.
Description
Natural gas product prices are determined by supply and demand - just like any other good and service. During periods of strong economic growth, one would expect demand to be robust. If inventories are low, this may lead to increases in natural gas prices. If inventories are high and rising in a period of strong demand, prices may not need to increase at all, or as much. During a period of sluggish economic activity, demand for natural gas may not be as strong. If inventories are rising, this may push down natural gas prices.