U.S. Gas Storage Builds Trail Five-Year Average by 2% Despite Record Production

U.S. natural gas storage injections during the 2026 injection season totaled 1,914 Bcf, roughly 2% below the five-year average, per EIA. Working gas in storage stood at 3,117 Bcf as of July 31, 2026. Production hit record levels — May 2026 output averaged 110.3 Bcf/d. LNG exports at 16.5 Bcf/d in Q3 2026 diverted supply from storage. Spot prices rose at most locations through the week ending August 13, 2026.