Latest Storage Report
Understanding the EIA Storage Report
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) releases its Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report every Thursday at 10:30 AM EST. This report is one of the most important fundamental data points for natural gas traders and has immediate impact on Henry Hub futures prices.
What the Report Contains
The storage report provides data on the net change in working gas held in underground storage facilities during the previous week. Key components include:
- Net Change: The injection (positive) or withdrawal (negative) measured in billion cubic feet (Bcf)
- Total Working Gas: Current storage levels across the Lower 48 states
- Regional Breakdown: Storage changes by five major regions (East, Midwest, South Central, Mountain, Pacific)
- Historical Comparisons: Year-over-year and five-year average comparisons
Market Impact
Storage reports significantly influence natural gas prices through several mechanisms:
- Immediate Price Reaction: Deviations from consensus estimates trigger rapid price movements
- Seasonal Patterns: Injection season (April-October) vs. withdrawal season (November-March)
- Storage Adequacy: Market concerns about shortage or overflow risks
- Weather Implications: Storage changes reflect recent weather-driven demand
Recent Storage Reports
118 Bcf Withdrawal Beats Expectations
Smaller-than-expected withdrawal sends Henry Hub down 2.3%. Storage levels remain 8.2% above five-year average at 1,768 Bcf.
Coming Soon
Previous week's storage report will be added soon.
Coming Soon
Historical storage reports will be added weekly.
Storage Seasonality
Natural gas storage follows a predictable seasonal pattern driven by heating and cooling demand:
Injection Season (April - October)
- Natural gas is injected into storage when demand is lower
- Storage typically builds from ~1,500 Bcf to ~3,800 Bcf
- Weekly injections average 50-100 Bcf during peak season
- Market focuses on reaching adequate levels before winter
Withdrawal Season (November - March)
- Gas is withdrawn from storage to meet heating demand
- Storage typically declines from ~3,800 Bcf to ~1,500 Bcf
- Weekly withdrawals can exceed 200 Bcf during cold snaps
- Market monitors end-of-season storage projections
Trading the Storage Report
Professional traders employ various strategies around the weekly storage report:
Pre-Report Positioning
- Consensus Trading: Position based on expectations vs. consensus estimates
- Weather Analysis: Use degree day data to predict storage changes
- Model-Based Forecasting: Develop proprietary models using supply/demand data
Post-Report Strategies
- Fade the Move: Trade against initial overreactions
- Momentum Trading: Follow the trend when reports consistently surprise
- Spread Trading: Trade calendar spreads based on storage trajectory
Key Storage Levels
Certain storage thresholds have historical significance for natural gas markets:
Critical Storage Levels
- Maximum Capacity ~4,700 Bcf
- Comfortable Winter Start 3,800+ Bcf
- Five-Year Average (Nov 1) ~3,700 Bcf
- Minimum Operational ~1,000 Bcf
- Five-Year Average (April 1) ~1,800 Bcf
Storage Report Calendar
The EIA releases storage reports every Thursday at 10:30 AM EST, except for certain holidays. When Thursday is a federal holiday, the report is typically released on Friday.
Next Report Schedule
- March 14, 2026 - Week ending March 7
- March 21, 2026 - Week ending March 14
- March 28, 2026 - Week ending March 21
- April 4, 2026 - Week ending March 28 (Transition to injection season)
Stay Updated: Bookmark this page for weekly storage report analysis. Each Thursday after the 10:30 AM EST release, we provide comprehensive breakdown of the data, market implications, and trading opportunities.