Mubasher: The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported on Thursday that the country’s natural gas storage rose by 35 billion cubic feet (Bcf) the week ended 27 July, reaching a total of 2,308 Bcf.

This came below forecast of a 45 Bcf climb, according to analysts polled by S&P Global Platts.

Stockpiles were 688 Bcf lower than last year’s figure, whereas they were 565 Bcf below the five-year average of 2,873 Bcf, the EIA data estimated.

Ahead of the EIA weekly report, Nymex natural gas futures rose 1.2% to $2.78 per million British Thermal Units (MMBtu).

Nymex natural gas futures went up 0.51% by By 2:21 pm, following the release of the report to $2.77 MMBtu.