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October futures eased fractionally in active trading Thursday as the government released figures showing a lower-than-expected increase in inventories. The ensuing price rise, however, was seized upon by eager sellers and prices retreated.

September natural gas rose Tuesday despite projections showing moderating temperatures and higher inventory injections. At the close September natural gas had risen 5.9 cents to $3.994 but failed to settle above important resistance at $4, and October had added 5.8 cents to $4.015. September crude oil plunged $2.01 to $79.30/bbl.

In what is becoming a standard give and take in Pennsylvania, the Marcellus Shale industry released a study last week showing how its economic importance in the state is growing and critics dismissed the findings as overstated.

August natural gas futures closed lower Thursday following the weekly government inventory report showing stocks were built at a greater rate than had been anticipated.

August natural gas made it four in a row and continued to march higher Wednesday, prompted by reports showing extended heat over the eastern two-thirds of the country. At the closing bell August had risen 7.0 cents to $4.403 and September had tacked on 7.5 cents to $4.387. August crude oil rose 62 cents to $98.05/bbl.

A citizens group has reversed its call for a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in New Brunswick after the provincial government unveiled tougher regulations for the emerging Frederick Brook Shale.

August natural gas futures tumbled Thursday following the release of inventory data showing greater-than-expected increases. For the week ended July 1, the Energy Information Administration reported a build of 95 Bcf, about 10 to 15 Bcf greater than what traders were expecting. Prices quickly obliged following the 10:30 a.m. EDT report and by the close August futures had declined 8.4 cents to $4.133 and September had jettisoned 8.4 cents as well to $4.138. August crude oil soared $2.02 to $98.67/bbl.

Expiring June natural gas futures closed lower Thursday as market bulls were hit by a government inventory report showing a build in inventories above what they were looking for. At the close June had settled 5.3 cents lower at $4.326 and July futures were down 6.3 cents to $4.360. July crude oil fell $1.09 to $100.23/bbl.

June natural gas futures rose in active trading Friday as both oil and gas traders reacted to government warnings related to data showing al Qaeda’s interest in targeting oil and gas installations. At the closing bell June futures had gained 13.6 cents to $4.230 and July had risen 12.9 cents to $4.290. June crude oil gained $1.05 to $99.49/bbl.