Markets

Natural gas for weekend and Monday delivery on balance fell nominally in Friday trading as double-digit declines at eastern points were unable to offset broader gains in the Gulf, Midcontinent and Midwest.

Natural gas for delivery Friday drifted lower in Thursday’s trading with Midwest and Gulf points a few cents either side of unchanged, eastern points down about a dime, and the Rockies and California off about 3 cents. Overall the market gave up 3 cents to $2.31.

Natural gas futures retreated after the release of government inventory figures showing an increase somewhat greater than what traders were expecting.

A final rule approved by FERC Thursday revises the interstate natural gas nomination timeline, but it does not move the 9 a.m. Central Clock Time (CCT) start of the gas day to 4 a.m. CCT, a controversial proposal that had been sharply criticized by the gas industry.

Natural gas for delivery Friday drifted lower in Thursday's trading with Midwest and Gulf points a few cents either side of unchanged, eastern points down about a dime, and the Rockies and California off about 3 cents. Overall the market gave up 3 cents to $2.31.

May natural gas is set to open flat Thursday morning at $2.61 as traders focus on what may be a surprise inventory report but nonetheless showing storage increases well above historical norms. Overnight oil markets fell.

Natural gas futures retreated after the release of government inventory figures showing an increase somewhat greater than what traders were expecting.

A final rule approved by FERC Thursday revises the interstate natural gas nomination timeline, but it does not move the 9 a.m. Central Clock Time (CCT) start of the gas day to 4 a.m. CCT, a controversial proposal that had been sharply criticized by the gas industry.

May natural gas is expected to open 4 cents higher Wednesday morning at $2.57 as traders factor in cooler temperatures in the more deferred time horizons. Overnight oil markets rose.