Despite dings along the way, weekly cash prices gained ground amid lofty temperatures across much of the Lower 48 and inconsistent production levels.

NGI’s Weekly Spot Gas National Avg. for the July 25-28 period advanced 40.5 cents to $8.655.

Robust cooling demand fueled strong advances for physical prices on Monday and Tuesday. Prices pulled back the next couple days ahead of forecasts that called for easing summer heat over the weekend, but that was not enough to offset the early surges.

As the trading week closed, El Paso Permian was up 75.5 cents to $8.015, while Chicago Citygate was ahead 83.0 cents to $8.405 and Florida Gas Zone 3 was up 36.0 cents to $12.720.

Nymex futures also seesawed during the trading week. The prompt month posted strong gains at times along...