Natural gas futures traded in the green much of Wednesday, lifted by colder weather trends that pointed to increased heating demand through the second half of April.

Near-record liquefied natural gas (LNG) levels continued to provide price support as well. But a sixth-straight day of gains proved elusive as traders took profits late in the session and prior to Thursday’s government inventory report.

The May Nymex contract settled at $2.618/MMBtu, down just one-tenth of a cent day/day. June was off three-tenths of a cent to $2.693.

Cash prices climbed, as they have each day this week, amid several weather systems that have ushered in unseasonably cold air and bouts of chilly rain. NGI’s Spot Gas National Avg. gained 5.5 cents to $2.520.

Bespoke Weather Services said...