The Energy Buyer's Guide | 07.20.2026

Futures hold mostly steady amid heat and reduced LNG flows.

• Natural gas futures remained under pressure but avoided another major downside break. The August 2026 NYMEX contract declined $0.03 to $2.91 per MMBtu, while Summer ’26 slipped $0.02 to $2.90.

• The EIA reported a 41-Bcf storage injection for the week ended July 10, reducing the surplus to the five-year average to 181 Bcf and widening the deficit to last year to 21 Bcf.

• Natural gas demand from power generators increased sharply, with stronger gas-fired output in MISO, CAISO, and ERCOT followed by rising peak loads across the East and Midwest.

• Forward power prices reversed much of the prior week’s increase, led by declines of nearly $10 per MWh in PJM and more than $6 per MWh in MISO.