Natural Gas Radar

2026-03-04 23:48

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 03/04/2026 Focus: Natural Gas
Natural gas settled $2.859 (+1.1%) despite warmer March forecasts, which tells you LNG is quietly running the show with feedgas averaging 18.7 Bcf/d in February and prints near ~19.9 Bcf/d late week. Production is elevated at roughly 108–113 Bcf/d, gas rigs just hit a 2.5-year high (134), and demand is forecast sliding from 137.6 → 125.3 → 112.9 Bcf/d over the next two weeks as HDDs run well below normal. Storage sits at 1,893 Bcf, about ~2% below the 5-year average, which is tight enough to prevent panic selling but not tight enough to spark a structural rally. The outlier screaming from the physical market is Waha at -$1.66 for 16 consecutive days, showing regional oversupply even while global gas benchmarks (TTF ~$11, JKM ~$10.6) justify strong U.S. exports. If crude volatility from Iran lifts global energy risk further, gas may catch sympathy bids via LNG economics, but absent weather or export disruption, rising supply and falling demand argue that rallies need a catalyst beyond headlines. Weather is showing a “less bearish” pattern after this spring weather pattern - March 10 is bringing back some cooler weather (note - not COLD but cooler). NG opened the week breaking above 2.924 and 3.00 which is a bullish reversal and could leave an island pattern down at 2.848 - the key drivers are slightly better forecasts but also concern about LNG flows out of Qatar which could make LNG cargos worth twice as much as they were (this would pull up Henry Hub pricing). This week is all about 3.00 - if that can be held then 3.449 is the target, if the bears take it back - then gap fill to 2.848 is where gravity will take Natty. * Monday brought a wide range with most of the day being 2.924 to 3.00. The bulls failed to keep it above $3, which points to a gap fill down to 2.848. I am cautious about that position as I think we are closer to a base and would be building a long position here for a run to 3.449. * Tuesday Natty ran up following crude showing strength above the 3.127 level for most of the day and then fell back to 3.05. A lot depends on weather - and while we have seen improvement in HDDs it is “less bearish”. * Natty gas came back down to earth drifting back down to 2.924 as the key support - the bulls can still take it (and I think they will) but weather runs have not supported the run.

Today's Update

Updated: 2026-03-04 23:47:04 Length: 528 chars
Natural gas settled at $2.859 (+1.1%), driven by robust LNG demand, with feedgas averaging 18.7 Bcf/d and production at 108–113 Bcf/d. However, a forecasted decline in demand—from 137.6 to 112.9 Bcf/d—coupled with storage 2% below the 5-year average, suggests a cautious outlook. The Waha hub's unusual negative pricing highlights regional oversupply, while global benchmarks remain strong. Watch for the $3.00 level; holding it could target $3.449, but a drop may lead to $2.848. Weather and LNG flows are critical factors now.

Executive Summary

Total supply decreased by 0.0 BCFD | Total demand increased by 5.1 BCFD | Market is undersupplied by 22.22 BCFD

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -2 (Moderately Bearish)
Current Price: $2.98
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BEARISH

MA(9): $2.96

MA(20): $3.1

Current Price is 2.98, 9 day MA 2.96, 20 day MA 3.1

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -0.2791

Signal: -0.3031

Days since crossover: 2

MACD crossed the line 2 days ago and is in a bullish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 42.71

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 42.71 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 5,872

Avg (20d): 148,647

Ratio: 0.04

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BEARISH CROSS

%K: 38.45

%D: 41.4

Stochastic %K: 38.45, %D: 41.4. Signal: bearish cross

ADX (14)

NO TREND

ADX: 11.89

+DI: 27.04

-DI: 22.17

ADX: 11.89 (+DI: 27.04, -DI: 22.17). Trend: no trend

Williams %R (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: -61.55

Williams %R: -61.55 (neutral zone)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

BELOW MIDDLE

Upper: 3.47

Middle: 3.1

Lower: 2.72

Price vs BBands (20, 2): below middle. Upper: 3.47, Middle: 3.1, Lower: 2.72

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current (BCFD) Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Dry Production 107.8 108.7 103.7 102.67
LNG Imports 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.13
Canadian Imports 5.6 4.7 6.6 5.57
Total Supply 113.4 113.4 110.3 108.33
Industrial Demand 22.9 22.0 25.3 24.9
Electric Power Demand 36.0 35.5 33.0 31.73
Residential & Commercial 42.7 38.8 41.9 38.67
LNG Exports 18.9 18.9 16.4 14.37
Mexico Exports 6.3 6.5 6.5 6.07
Pipeline Fuel 8.83 8.83 7.8 7.63
Total Demand 135.62 130.52 130.8 120.93
Supply/Demand Balance -22.22 -17.12 -20.5 -12.6

Weather Analysis

Natural Gas Weather Impact: HIGH heating demand - significant cold spell (BELOW normal heating demand) (Heating-dominated conditions driving natural gas demand)

Weather Analysis Summary

Heating Degree Days (Utility Gas Weighted)
Last 7 Days: 158.0 HDD -23.0 vs Normal
Next 7 Days: 77.0 HDD -89.0 vs Normal
Cooling Degree Days (Population Weighted)
Last 7 Days: 4.0 CDD +4.0 vs Normal
Next 7 Days: 13.0 CDD +13.0 vs Normal

Weather Trend Analysis (Click charts to zoom)

HDD Analysis
HDD Analysis Chart
CDD Analysis
CDD Analysis Chart

Detailed Data

Recent HDD Data
Date HDD Normal Anomaly
02/24 28.0 26.0 +2.0
02/25 25.0 27.0 -2.0
02/26 21.0 27.0 -6.0
02/27 18.0 26.0 -8.0
02/28 19.0 26.0 -7.0
03/01 22.0 25.0 -3.0
03/02 25.0 24.0 +1.0
HDD Forecast
Date HDD Normal Anomaly
03/04 15.0 25.0 -10.0
03/05 14.0 24.0 -10.0
03/06 11.0 24.0 -13.0
03/07 10.0 24.0 -14.0
03/08 10.0 23.0 -13.0
03/09 9.0 23.0 -14.0
03/10 8.0 23.0 -15.0
Recent CDD Data
Date CDD Normal Anomaly
02/24 0.0 0.0 +0.0
02/25 0.0 0.0 +0.0
02/26 0.0 0.0 +0.0
02/27 1.0 0.0 +1.0
02/28 1.0 0.0 +1.0
03/01 1.0 0.0 +1.0
03/02 1.0 0.0 +1.0
CDD Forecast
Date CDD Normal Anomaly
03/04 1.0 0.0 +1.0
03/05 2.0 0.0 +2.0
03/06 2.0 0.0 +2.0
03/07 2.0 0.0 +2.0
03/08 2.0 0.0 +2.0
03/09 2.0 0.0 +2.0
03/10 2.0 0.0 +2.0
Data Source: NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Region: CONUS Climatology: 1981-2010 Normal Period

Economic Analysis

Economic Sentiment Summary

NEGATIVE - Economic indicators showing headwinds
Dollar Impact: Strong USD may pressure commodity prices
Industrial Demand: Weaker industrial demand signals
Interest Rate Impact: Rising rates may impact energy demand
Risk Sentiment: Moderate market volatility

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

99.0
Daily: -0.05 (-0.05%)
Weekly: 1.21 (1.24%)

US_10Y

4.08
Daily: 0.02 (0.59%)
Weekly: 0.06 (1.57%)

SP500

6869.5
Daily: 52.87 (0.78%)
Weekly: -39.36 (-0.57%)

VIX

21.15
Daily: -2.42 (-10.27%)
Weekly: 2.52 (13.53%)

GOLD

5187.8
Daily: 80.4 (1.57%)
Weekly: 11.3 (0.22%)

COPPER

5.9
Daily: 0.13 (2.2%)
Weekly: -0.05 (-0.78%)

CFTC Commitment of Traders Analysis

Natural Gas Positioning (NAT GAS NYME - NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE)

Report Date: 2026-02-24
Sentiment: Bearish and Strengthening
Positioning: Normal Range

Open Interest

1,619,531
Change: +5,975

Managed Money

-75,875
Change: -49,110
-4.7% of OI

Producer/Merchant

30,372
Change: -5,322
1.9% of OI

Swap Dealers

152,809
Change: +13,705
9.4% of OI

Other Reportables

-122,644
Change: +36,403
-7.6% of OI

Analysis Rationale (Managed Money):

  • Managed Money sentiment: bearish and strengthening

Crude Oil Positioning (WTI-PHYSICAL - NEW YORK MERCANTILE EXCHANGE)

Report Date: 2026-02-24
Sentiment: Bullish and Strengthening
Positioning: Normal Range

Open Interest

2,102,705
Change: +15,212

Managed Money

67,700
Change: +3,915
3.2% of OI

Producer/Merchant

130,763
Change: -25,568
6.2% of OI

Swap Dealers

-347,546
Change: -9,586
-16.5% of OI

Analysis Rationale (Managed Money):

  • Managed Money sentiment: bullish and strengthening

LNG Market Analysis

LNG Market Summary

TTF prices increased to 17.972 EUR/MWh (+2.920). JKM prices increased to 15.770 USD/MMBtu (+2.405). JKM is trading at a discount of 2.202 to TTF, suggesting weaker Asian demand.

TTF Prices

17.972

+2.920

Front month: APR 26

As of 2026-03-04

JKM Prices

15.770

+2.405

Front month: APR 26

As of 2026-03-04

JKM-TTF Spread

-2.202

-12.25%

JKM is trading at a discount to TTF, suggesting weaker Asian demand.

As of 2026-03-04

Forward Curves Visualization
TTF (EUR/MWh)
JKM (USD/MMBtu)
22.0
19.5
17.0
14.4
11.9
17.97
15.77
APR 26
18.01
21.18
MAY 26
17.39
19.09
JUN 26
16.93
17.40
JUL 26
16.52
16.82
AUG 26
16.25
16.36
SEP 26
16.06
16.23
OCT 26
15.77
15.84
NOV 26
15.34
15.48
DEC 26
14.58
14.85
JAN 27
13.81
14.03
FEB 27
12.80
12.74
MAR 27
TTF Forward Curve (Next 12 Months)
Month Price (EUR/MWh)
APR 26 17.972
MAY 26 18.006
JUN 26 17.393
JUL 26 16.934
AUG 26 16.520
SEP 26 16.253
OCT 26 16.063
NOV 26 15.773
DEC 26 15.343
JAN 27 14.582
FEB 27 13.806
MAR 27 12.796
JKM Forward Curve (Next 12 Months)
Month Price (USD/MMBtu)
APR 26 15.770
MAY 26 21.185
JUN 26 19.085
JUL 26 17.400
AUG 26 16.815
SEP 26 16.355
OCT 26 16.225
NOV 26 15.835
DEC 26 15.485
JAN 27 14.845
FEB 27 14.025
MAR 27 12.740

News & Sentiment Analysis

Market Sentiment Overview

BULLISH
Average Polarity: 0.65
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 175
Last Updated: 2026-03-04 23:47:50

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

0.6

NATURAL_GAS

0.7

Top News Topics

Supply (19 articles)

Geopolitical (33 articles)

Fibonacci Levels Analysis

Current Price: $2.98
Closest Support: $2.78 6.71% below current price
Closest Resistance: $3.97 33.22% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $2.78 Support
0.236 $3.97 Resistance
0.382 $4.7
0.5 $5.3
0.618 $5.9
0.786 $6.75
1.0 $7.83

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $9.2
1.618 $10.95
2.0 $12.88
2.618 $16.0

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $2.92
Forecast Generated: 2026-03-04 23:47:50
Next Trading Day: UP 0.72%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2026-03-05 $2.94 $1.42 $4.46
2026-03-06 $2.9 $1.38 $4.42
2026-03-07 $2.92 $1.4 $4.44
2026-03-08 $2.91 $1.39 $4.43
2026-03-09 $2.92 $1.4 $4.44

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price increase of ~0.72% for the next trading day (2026-03-05), reaching $2.94.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2026-03-05 and 2026-03-09.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~104.2% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Weak bullish signal, high uncertainty.

AI Analysis

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For Energy Traders:

Current market indicators suggest a moderately bearish outlook with a technical score of -2/5. The Fibonacci support level is at 2.78, while the resistance level stands at 3.97. Traders should be cautious of volatility as the ML price forecast indicates a slight uptick of 0.72% with a range of 1.42 to 4.46. The fundamental balance of -22.22 BCFD further emphasizes the need for vigilance in short-term trading strategies.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

With the current fundamental balance shifting negatively at -22.22 BCFD, producers may need to reassess their production planning and hedging strategies. The overall market sentiment remains positive, with a sentiment score of +0.650, indicating potential opportunities despite the bearish technical indicators. Producers should stay alert to geopolitical developments, particularly related to the Iranian conflict, which could impact supply dynamics.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Utilities):

Consumers should prepare for potential cost fluctuations in the near term, as the fundamental balance reflects a tightening supply at -22.22 BCFD. The weather outlook suggests moderate heating demand, which could drive prices up during peak usage periods. It is advisable for consumers to consider procurement strategies or hedging options to mitigate risks associated with price volatility and supply reliability.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The current market landscape presents a complex picture. The moderately bearish technical interpretation contrasts with a positive overall market sentiment. The fundamental balance is notably negative, indicating supply concerns. Analysts should focus on the interplay between geopolitical factors, particularly in the Middle East, and their impact on oil and gas prices. This duality in sentiment and fundamentals suggests potential shifts in outlook depending on forthcoming news and weather patterns.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or specific buy/sell recommendations.