Natural Gas Radar

2026-05-07 23:48

Table of Contents

Brian's Thoughts

Published: 05/07/2026 Focus: Natural Gas
Henry Hub opened Sunday night at $2.83, up from $2.78, and the bears are already writing the eulogy for that move — because storage is 7.7% above the five-year average at 2,142 Bcf and the last two weekly injections were 103 Bcf and 79 Bcf, which by any traditional read is a bearish dataset. Here's the problem with that read: it is the weakest demand window of the calendar year, by design. Heating load has evaporated. Cooling demand hasn't started. We are comparing the most structurally oversupplied two weeks of the injection season against a five-year average that did not include 18.9 Bcfd of LNG baseload demand pulling molecules out the back door at record pace. Production has fallen 4.1 Bcfd in 18 days to 107.6 Bcfd — a 12-week low — because EQT and friends are doing what rational producers do when prices fall below $3: they shut in. That curtailment is the self-correcting mechanism the storage-obsessed bears are ignoring entirely. The week's verdict arrives Thursday with the EIA storage number — consensus near 75 Bcf, and anything below 65 is a clean bullish catalyst — and then Monday May 12 with the STEO, which is the only data print that actually matters for the medium-term narrative. If the EIA revises its end-October storage estimate down from the current 4,015 Bcf base case, this market is done going sideways. December 2026 at $4.70 and January 2027 at $5.10 are already telling you what the forward balance looks like. June contract is over the critical support at 2.762 and on it’s way to $3.

Today's Update

Updated: 2026-05-07 23:47:27 Length: 532 chars
Natural gas prices opened at $2.83, influenced by a bearish storage report showing levels 7.7% above the five-year average. However, demand is weak seasonally, with cooling needs yet to begin and heating needs already diminished. Notably, production has dropped to a 12-week low, as rational producers curtail output below $3. A smaller-than-expected storage build this week could spark bullish momentum, especially if EIA revisions adjust future forecasts downward. Keep an eye on the upcoming EIA data for potential market shifts!

Executive Summary

Total supply decreased by 0.0 BCFD | Total demand decreased by 3.6 BCFD | Market is oversupplied by 1.68 BCFD

Technical Analysis

Overall Technical Score (-5 to +5): -2 (Moderately Bearish)
Current Price: $2.78
Signal: Moderately Bearish

Moving Averages (9/20)

BULLISH

MA(9): $2.72

MA(20): $2.68

Current Price is 2.78, 9 day MA 2.72, 20 day MA 2.68

MACD (12, 26, 9)

BULLISH

MACD: -0.0287

Signal: -0.063

Days since crossover: 14

MACD crossed the line 14 days ago and is in a bullish setup

RSI (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: 50.83

Category: NEUTRAL

RSI is 50.83 (note 70% is overbought and 30% is oversold)

Volume (vs 20d Avg)

LOWER

Current: 1,688

Avg (20d): 105,432

Ratio: 0.02

Volume is lower versus 20 day average

Stochastic (14, 3)

BULLISH CROSS

%K: 73.25

%D: 70.42

Stochastic %K: 73.25, %D: 70.42. Signal: bullish cross

ADX (14)

NO TREND

ADX: 11.25

+DI: 23.7

-DI: 18.65

ADX: 11.25 (+DI: 23.7, -DI: 18.65). Trend: no trend

Williams %R (14)

NEUTRAL

Value: -26.75

Williams %R: -26.75 (neutral zone)

Bollinger Bands (20, 2)

ABOVE MIDDLE

Upper: 2.85

Middle: 2.68

Lower: 2.5

Price vs BBands (20, 2): above middle. Upper: 2.85, Middle: 2.68, Lower: 2.5

Fundamental Analysis

Category Current (BCFD) Last Week Last Year 3 Yr Avg
Dry Production 107.1 106.7 105.0 102.0
LNG Imports 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.07
Canadian Imports 4.0 4.4 4.9 5.0
Total Supply 111.1 111.1 109.9 107.0
Industrial Demand 22.3 22.1 22.8 22.57
Electric Power Demand 30.7 31.5 30.1 30.1
Residential & Commercial 23.7 25.5 13.4 16.03
LNG Exports 17.1 18.2 15.1 13.57
Mexico Exports 6.8 6.9 6.9 6.27
Pipeline Fuel 8.83 8.83 6.6 7.2
Total Demand 109.42 113.02 95.0 95.53
Supply/Demand Balance 1.68 -1.92 14.9 11.47

Weather Analysis

Natural Gas Weather Impact: MODERATE heating demand - typical winter conditions (Heating-dominated conditions driving natural gas demand)

Weather Analysis Summary

Heating Degree Days (Utility Gas Weighted)
Last 7 Days: 72.0 HDD +16.0 vs Normal
Next 7 Days: 43.0 HDD +1.0 vs Normal
Cooling Degree Days (Population Weighted)
Last 7 Days: 8.0 CDD -6.0 vs Normal
Next 7 Days: 23.0 CDD +2.0 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
04/29 10.0 9.0 +1.0
04/30 12.0 8.0 +4.0
05/01 12.0 8.0 +4.0
05/02 12.0 8.0 +4.0
05/03 11.0 8.0 +3.0
05/04 7.0 8.0 -1.0
05/05 8.0 7.0 +1.0
HDD Forecast
Date HDD Normal Anomaly
05/07 10.0 6.0 +4.0
05/08 8.0 6.0 +2.0
05/09 5.0 6.0 -1.0
05/10 4.0 6.0 -2.0
05/11 6.0 6.0 +0.0
05/12 6.0 6.0 +0.0
05/13 4.0 6.0 -2.0
Recent CDD Data
Date CDD Normal Anomaly
04/29 2.0 2.0 +0.0
04/30 1.0 2.0 -1.0
05/01 1.0 2.0 -1.0
05/02 1.0 2.0 -1.0
05/03 1.0 2.0 -1.0
05/04 1.0 2.0 -1.0
05/05 1.0 2.0 -1.0
CDD Forecast
Date CDD Normal Anomaly
05/07 2.0 3.0 -1.0
05/08 2.0 3.0 -1.0
05/09 3.0 3.0 +0.0
05/10 4.0 3.0 +1.0
05/11 4.0 3.0 +1.0
05/12 4.0 3.0 +1.0
05/13 4.0 3.0 +1.0
Data Source: NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Region: CONUS Climatology: 1981-2010 Normal Period

Economic Analysis

Economic Sentiment Summary

POSITIVE - Economic indicators generally supportive
Dollar Impact: Weaker USD may support commodity prices
Industrial Demand: Strong industrial demand signals
Interest Rate Impact: Rising rates may impact energy demand
Risk Sentiment: Low market volatility/risk appetite

Economic Indicators

USD_INDEX

98.21
Daily: 0.19 (0.2%)
Weekly: 0.0 (0.0%)

US_10Y

4.39
Daily: 0.04 (0.83%)
Weekly: 0.01 (0.32%)

SP500

7337.11
Daily: -28.01 (-0.38%)
Weekly: 106.99 (1.48%)

VIX

17.08
Daily: -0.31 (-1.78%)
Weekly: 0.09 (0.53%)

GOLD

4734.6
Daily: 52.7 (1.13%)
Weekly: 104.7 (2.26%)

COPPER

6.18
Daily: 0.04 (0.71%)
Weekly: 0.25 (4.18%)

CFTC Commitment of Traders Analysis

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

Report Date: 2026-04-28
Sentiment: Bearish but Weakening
Positioning: Normal Range

Open Interest

1,578,600
Change: +1,937

Managed Money

-97,245
Change: +3,329
-6.2% of OI

Producer/Merchant

-26,578
Change: -2,835
-1.7% of OI

Swap Dealers

177,613
Change: +3,554
11.3% of OI

Other Reportables

-69,028
Change: -1,287
-4.4% of OI

Analysis Rationale (Managed Money):

  • Managed Money sentiment: bearish but weakening

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

Report Date: 2026-04-28
Sentiment: Bullish but Weakening
Positioning: Normal Range

Open Interest

2,017,038
Change: +32,291

Managed Money

80,331
Change: -19,556
4.0% of OI

Producer/Merchant

320,120
Change: +5,815
15.9% of OI

Swap Dealers

-539,774
Change: +1,242
-26.8% of OI

Analysis Rationale (Managed Money):

  • Managed Money sentiment: bullish but weakening

LNG Market Analysis

LNG Market Summary

TTF prices decreased to 15.303 EUR/MWh (-0.794). JKM prices decreased to 16.850 USD/MMBtu (-0.185). JKM is trading at a premium of 1.547 to TTF, indicating strong Asian demand.

TTF Prices

15.303

-0.794

Front month: JUN 26

As of 2026-05-07

JKM Prices

16.850

-0.185

Front month: JUN 26

As of 2026-05-07

JKM-TTF Spread

1.547

10.11%

JKM is trading at a premium to TTF, indicating strong Asian demand.

As of 2026-05-07

Forward Curves Visualization
TTF (EUR/MWh)
JKM (USD/MMBtu)
17.4
15.9
14.4
12.9
11.5
15.30
16.85
JUN 26
15.16
16.89
JUL 26
15.18
16.79
AUG 26
15.21
16.52
SEP 26
15.15
16.20
OCT 26
15.00
16.04
NOV 26
15.00
16.03
DEC 26
14.95
15.72
JAN 27
14.82
15.20
FEB 27
14.32
13.77
MAR 27
12.57
12.37
APR 27
11.96
12.30
MAY 27
TTF Forward Curve (Next 12 Months)
Month Price (EUR/MWh)
JUN 26 15.303
JUL 26 15.157
AUG 26 15.176
SEP 26 15.206
OCT 26 15.153
NOV 26 15.004
DEC 26 15.002
JAN 27 14.949
FEB 27 14.817
MAR 27 14.318
APR 27 12.574
MAY 27 11.959
JKM Forward Curve (Next 12 Months)
Month Price (USD/MMBtu)
JUN 26 16.850
JUL 26 16.890
AUG 26 16.785
SEP 26 16.520
OCT 26 16.195
NOV 26 16.035
DEC 26 16.030
JAN 27 15.725
FEB 27 15.200
MAR 27 13.770
APR 27 12.370
MAY 27 12.305

LNG Flows Analysis

LNG Flows Summary

2026-04-07 to 2026-05-06
Latest LNG Flow 17.00 BCF/D
Daily Change -0.30 (-1.7%)
30-Day Average
18.09
BCF/D
30-Day High
18.80
BCF/D
30-Day Low
17.00
BCF/D
Data Points
15
Days

LNG Flows Trend (Click to zoom)

LNG Flows Chart
×

LNG Flows Analysis

Zoomed Chart

Recent LNG Flows Data

Date LNG Flow (BCF/D) Change from Previous
2026-04-26 18.60 N/A
2026-04-27 18.60 +0.00
2026-04-28 18.40 -0.20
2026-04-29 18.20 -0.20
2026-04-30 17.60 -0.60
2026-05-01 18.20 +0.60
2026-05-02 17.50 -0.70
2026-05-03 17.30 -0.20
2026-05-04 17.30 +0.00
2026-05-06 17.00 -0.30

News & Sentiment Analysis

Market Sentiment Overview

NEUTRAL
Average Polarity: -0.05
Confidence: 1.0
Articles Analyzed: 155
Last Updated: 2026-05-07 23:48:14

Commodity Sentiment

CRUDE_OIL

-0.7

NATURAL_GAS

0.6

Fibonacci Levels Analysis

Current Price: $2.78
Closest Support: $2.72 2.16% below current price
Closest Resistance: $2.87 3.24% above current price

Fibonacci Retracement Levels

0.0 $2.48
0.236 $2.72 Support
0.382 $2.87 Resistance
0.5 $2.99
0.618 $3.11
0.786 $3.28
1.0 $3.49

Fibonacci Extension Levels

1.272 $3.77
1.618 $4.12
2.0 $4.5
2.618 $5.13

ML Price Prediction

Current Price: $2.77
Forecast Generated: 2026-05-07 23:48:14
Next Trading Day: DOWN 0.22%
Date Prediction Lower Bound Upper Bound
2026-05-08 $2.76 $2.62 $2.9
2026-05-09 $2.77 $2.63 $2.91
2026-05-10 $2.77 $2.63 $2.91
2026-05-11 $2.78 $2.64 $2.91
2026-05-12 $2.77 $2.63 $2.91

ML Insights

  • Forecast generated using ARIMA(5, 1, 0).
  • The model predicts a price decrease of ~0.22% for the next trading day (2026-05-08), reaching $2.76.
  • The 5-day forecast suggests relatively stable prices between 2026-05-08 and 2026-05-12.
  • The average confidence interval width is ~10.0% of the predicted price, indicating model uncertainty.
  • SIGNAL: Weak bearish signal, high uncertainty.

AI Analysis

💹

For Energy Traders:

Current market conditions present a moderately bearish sentiment with a technical score of -2/5. Key Fibonacci support is identified at 2.72, while resistance is at 2.87. The ML price forecast indicates a slight decline of 0.22%, suggesting potential short-term volatility. Traders should consider monitoring these levels closely for breakout opportunities or risk management.

For Producers (Oil & Gas Companies):

The fundamental balance stands at 1.68 BCFD, with a slight increase of +3.60, indicating stable production levels. However, the moderately bearish technical outlook suggests producers should be cautious in their production planning. Given the neutral market sentiment, it may be prudent to explore hedging strategies to mitigate potential price declines, especially in light of fluctuating demand and output dynamics.

🏭

For Consumers (Industrial/Utilities):

With moderate heating demand expected due to the current weather outlook, consumers should prepare for potential cost fluctuations in the near term. The bearish sentiment in the market could lead to lower prices, but caution is warranted as the risk of supply reliability persists, especially with the mixed demand outlook and geopolitical factors affecting supply chains. Procurement strategies should be evaluated to capitalize on any price dips while ensuring supply security.

📊

For Commodity Professionals (Analysts, Consultants):

The energy market is currently characterized by a moderately bearish sentiment, driven by a fundamental balance of 1.68 BCFD and a neutral overall market sentiment. Key driving factors include the heating demand in the Northeast and Midwest, contrasted with cooling demand in the South and West. Analysts should remain vigilant for shifts in these dynamics, particularly as geopolitical tensions and output fluctuations could influence future market conditions.

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