Natural gas futures on Tuesday finished lower for the first time in eight sessions, as traders took profits and customary volatility near the prompt month’s expiration emerged. Markets also weighed forecasts for modestly milder weather next week, though overall strong demand and tighter storage inventories that have fueled supply concerns could support a rebound in coming days.

West Texas Prices

At A Glance:

  • Futures falter first time in eight sessions
  • Traders take profits before expiration
  • Heat expected to fade modestly

The August Nymex contract shed 13.1 cents day/day and settled at $3.971/MMBtu. September dropped 14.0 cents to $3.942.

NGI’s Spot Gas National Avg. also lost momentum on Tuesday, falling 7.0 cents to $3.895, despite persistent heat.

The prompt month rolls off the...