Weekly cash prices gained ground amid scorching temperatures and strong cooling demand across much of the western Lower 48, highlighted by whopping surges in California.

EIA storage june 11

NGI’s Weekly Spot Gas National Avg. for the June 14-18 period climbed 24.0 cents to $3.170.

Blistering heat moved in early across the Plains, Mountain West, Southwest and California and hung around most of the week, driving up demand and prices. High temperatures ranged from the high 90s in the Dakotas to 120 in the deserts of the Southwest, baking Las Vegas, Phoenix and other major markets.

It was hot over most of the South and Texas, as well, throughout the week. Citing sustained highs in the 90s and forced power outages, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked Texans during the week to conserve...