The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) on Thursday reported an injection of 70 Bcf natural gas storage for the week ending Sept. 4, aligning with forecasts and easing early pressure on Nymex natural gas futures.

EIA Storage Sept. 10, 2020

Ahead of the report, a Bloomberg survey found estimates ranging from 60 Bcf to 73 Bcf, with a median of 68 Bcf, while a Reuters poll found estimates ranging from 62 Bcf to 73 Bcf and a median of 69 Bcf. NGI estimated an injection of 71 Bcf.

The latest result compared with an 80 Bcf build a year earlier and a five-year average of 68 Bcf. EIA reported a 35 Bcf injection into storage for the week ended Aug. 28.

Analysts said the increased injection, relative to the prior week, reflected cooler weather conditions across much of the nation’s midsection and...