With forecasts finally flashing more impressive heat over southern U.S. markets to strengthen the cooling demand outlook, natural gas forwards rallied during the June 1-7 trading period, NGI’s Forward Look data show.

July fixed prices at benchmark Henry Hub added 6.1 cents during the period to finish at $2.328/MMBtu. Most Lower 48 hubs finished in positive territory week/week.

Western U.S. hubs saw outsized gains during the June 1-7 trading period, with the region pressed to play catch up in refilling storage as summer cooling demand looms.

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The Energy Information Administration (EIA) Pacific region exited the week ending June 2 with inventories well below...