US natural gas futures eased to $3.23 per MMBtu, retreating from a more than two-week high in the prior session that had been supported by stronger LNG export flows and warmer weather expectations. Average feedgas deliveries to major LNG export terminals have inched up to 17.2 bcfd so far in June from 17.1 bcfd in May, as liquefaction capacity—including units at Freeport LNG—returned from maintenance.
Weather forecasts point to above-normal temperatures through July 7, a pattern likely to boost gas consumption by power generators as air-conditioning demand increases. On the supply side, average dry gas output in the Lower 48 has held steady at 109.7 bcfd so far in June.
Storage levels remain comfortable, with inventories about 5.8% above the seasonal norm as of the week ending June 19, underscoring a well-supplied market. In the export market, two LNG carriers were reported to be sailing directly from the US to China.
