Natural gas slips as Tropical Storm Arthur threatens U.S. Gulf Coast LNG exports

Tropical Storm Arthur is threatening LNG export facilities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, potentially causing short-term shipment disruptions and boosting domestic natural gas inventories. Weekly EIA storage is expected to rise by +80 bcf, above the five-year average build of +73 bcf for this time of year. Cooler-leaning forecasts are also weighing on prices by reducing power-sector demand for air conditioning, while U.S. Lower 48 dry gas production is up +2.2% y/y and demand is down -5.9% y/y.