Due to the government shutdown, the weekly U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has been releasing partial data.

This month marks the start of the heating season, when the U.S. typically sees an increase in natural gas demand. This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting cooler-than-normal temperatures in the upper Midwest and average temperatures throughout the country.

Domestic Demand

Because of the government shutdown, the EIA’s weekly report does not include demand data. However, an Arctic blast swept across much of the country on Monday and Tuesday, likely increasing natural gas demand for heating. This frigid weather was caused by cold air breaking off from a polar vortex in Canada. More than 84 million people were under advisories, watches, or warnings for freezing temperatures and winter weather.

International Demand

In October, the U.S. reached a major milestone by exporting 10 million metric tons (mmt) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), becoming the first country to do so. The U.S. remains the largest LNG exporter, supported by four consecutive months of record-high exports in 2025. Companies like Venture Global and Cheniere have contributed to this growth by launching the Plaquemines export facility and the Corpus Christi Stage 3 project, respectively. As winter progresses, the increasing shipments of LNG to Europe and Asia are driving up U.S. natural gas prices.

Production & Supply

As this month begins, natural gas storage levels are 4.3 percent higher than the five-year average at 3,753 billion cubic feet (Bcf). Furthermore, the current natural gas rig count is 22.5 percent higher than it was at the same time last year.

If you have any questions about the information in this newsletter or would like to discuss your natural gas options, please contact your sales representative.

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