Natural Gas Storage: -40 Bcf

Gas stocks post small decline prior to the onset of major cold.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a weekly withdrawal of 40 Billion Cubic Feet (Bcf) in Lower 48 natural gas storage inventories for the week ending January 3, 2025 (Link).  Total inventories now stand at 3,373 Bcf, 3 Bcf (0.1%) below year-ago levels and 207 Bcf (6.5%) above the 2019-2023 average for the same week. 

Natural gas stocks declined by 40 Bcf for the week covering New Years Day, marking the second straight report that saw the withdrawal likely skewed lower due to reduced industrial and commercial activity surrounding a major holiday. In contrast with recent reports, the draw came in much lighter than the same week a year prior, which saw a deduction of 104 Bcf, narrowing the deficit to year-ago stocks to just 3 Bcf. The five-year average for the same week was a withdrwal of 104 Bcf, meaning that the surplus to that benchmark was expanded.