Summer wasn’t ready to loosen its grip on U.S. natural gas cash markets this week, with heat and humidity in the wake of Hurricane Isaias driving up demand on the East Coast early in the week and 100-degree temperatures driving power loads in California. NGI’s Weekly Spot Gas National Avg. jumped 20.0 cents to $2.050.

EIA Natural Gas Storage

With highs in the upper 80s and 90s across the East to start the week, spot gas prices throughout the region rallied. Sharp increases of more than 50 cents were seen at Texas Eastern M-3, Delivery and at Transco Zone 6 NY, but prices ultimately plunged as temperatures eased. Overall, the majority of Northeast hubs averaged less than 15.0 cents higher week/week and closed out the week below $2.00.

California posted more meaningful gains as the heat showed no...