US natural gas futures fell below $2.81 per MMBtu, nearing their lowest level since August 2025, after the EIA reported a slightly larger-than-expected increase in storage. Energy companies injected 36 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas into storage last week, compared with 30 bcf in the same week of 2025 and a five-year average withdrawal of 4 bcf. Total inventories climbed to 1.865 trillion cubic feet, about 5.4% higher than a year earlier and roughly 3% above the five-year average.
At the same time, reports indicated that Iran is preparing a protocol with Oman to monitor traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. The move follows a speech by President Donald Trump that offered no clear path to resolving the Middle East conflict, keeping markets cautious. Despite these geopolitical tensions, US natural gas prices remain relatively stable, supported by robust production, comfortable inventory levels, and limited short-term exposure to global markets.
