Lingering cool weather in the northern stretches of the country, along with robust power burns and strong export demand in the southern states, sent the majority of U.S. gas prices higher during the April 17-21 week. However, steep losses out West sent NGI’s Weekly Spot Gas National Avg. down 4.0 cents to $2.170.

Natural gas futures, meanwhile, ended the week not far removed from where they started. With traders trying to balance strong demand with robust supply, the May Nymex gas futures contract settled Friday at $2.233, off only 4.2 cents from Monday’s close.

For as warm as the past winter was – both January and February set records – April has trended much chillier than initially expected. The result has been lingering bouts of stronger-than-normal heating demand...