In an abbreviated report period, weekly cash prices gained ground amid sweltering heat and strong cooling demand, led upward by hubs in the West.

EIA storage july 23

NGI’s Weekly Spot Gas National Avg. for the July 26-29 period rose 13.5 cents to $3.915.

Gas traded Thursday closed out July and flowed for Friday and Saturday, the final two calendar days of the month. As such, the final four days of July trading — Monday through Thursday – were used to compile the Weekly GPI prices. Friday trading was separate, and was for Sunday and Monday delivery, the first two days of August flow.

Conditions during the week were underscored by persistently intense heat in the West, with Las Vegas, Phoenix and Palm Springs, CA, all routinely posting highs well into the 100s, according to National Weather...