The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a weekly injection of 53 billion cubic feet (Bcf) into Lower 48 natural gas storage inventories for the week ending September 18, 2026 (Link). Total inventories now stand at 3,351 Bcf, 146 Bcf (4.2%) below year-ago levels and 95 Bcf (2.9%) above the 2021-2025 average for the same week.
This morning’s announced 53-Bcf build continued recent trends. The injection came in stronger than the week prior, reflecting seasonal loosening of the fundamental balance. However, the pace of storage growth remained slower than historical benchmarks, with inventories losing ground to both last year and the five-year average for the sixth straight week. The 146-Bcf deficit to year-ago levels is now the widest since July 2025, while the 95-Bcf surplus to the five-year average is the slimmest in more than five months.
