Analysts Expect 81 Billion-Cubic-Foot Build in U.S. Natural Gas Inventories

By Anthony Harrup

U.S. natural gas inventories likely increased by more than usual last week, raising the surplus over the five-year average to its highest level since mid-January, according to a Wall Street Journal survey.

Net injections into underground storage facilities are seen at 81 billion cubic feet, putting stocks at 2,916 Bcf, according to the average estimate of 12 analysts, brokers and traders. Forecasts range from an injection of 66 Bcf to an injection of 98 Bcf.

The expected storage build compares with a 64 Bcf average for the week over the 2021-2025 period, and would increase the surplus to 169 Bcf from 152 Bcf the week before. It would narrow the deficit from the year-earlier level to 29 Bcf from 49 Bcf.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release weekly storage data on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. EDT.

Write to Anthony Harrup at anthony.harrup@wsj.com