US natural gas futures extended their decline on Monday, falling more than 5.5% to around $2.92 per MMBtu after a 2.2% drop in the previous session. The market came under pressure from milder weather forecasts that suggest weaker demand for both heating and power generation. Temperatures are now expected to remain above seasonal norms across the western two-thirds of the US through April 1.
Prices were further weighed down by a broader energy market selloff after President Donald Trump said he was in talks to end the war in Iran, triggering declines in oil prices and prompting outflows from energy futures. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, US natural gas prices have remained relatively steady since the US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, supported by comfortable inventory levels and the market’s limited short-term exposure to global dynamics.
Data from the EIA showed that gas stockpiles were 10.4% above year-ago levels and 2.6% above the five-year average. At the same time, US LNG export facilities are operating near full capacity, restricting the ability of domestic producers to further exploit global supply disruptions.
