A four-day winning streak spurred by chillier forecasts for the second half of January resulted in sharp increases in natural gas forward prices. Gains were particularly strong on the East Coast, nearing 60.0 cents at several pricing hubs during the shortened Dec. 30-Jan. 6 trading period, according to NGI’s Forward Look.

Nymex futures mounted solid increases across the curve as the colder January outlook was seen as the final piece of an otherwise constructive backdrop for prices. The February Nymex gas futures contract jumped about 29.0 cents to $2.716 during the period, while the balance of winter (February-March) climbed 28.0 cents to $2.700. Summer prices were up 23.0 cents to $2.790, and winter 2021-2022 prices moved up 10.0 cents to 2.660.

EBW Analytics Group said it...