The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a 136 Bcf withdrawal from storage inventories for the week ending Dec. 24, well within a wide range of expectations.

Natural gas futures prices were already about 8.0 cents lower on the day at $3.768/MMBtu ahead of the EIA report and then slipped another penny as the print crossed trading desks. By 11 a.m. ET, the newly prompt February Nymex contract was trading at $3.665, down 18.5 cents from Wednesday’s close.

Participants on The Desk’s online energy chat Enelyst said the latest EIA figure reflected continued tightness in the market. “But first triple-digit draw this season. How exciting,” said one analyst.

[Actionable Insight: Did you know that NGI is one of only two Price Reporting Agencies that include trade...