Natural Gas Prices Rise as Hot Weather Boosts Demand

U.S. natural gas prices rose after forecasts predicted hotter weather, increasing demand for air conditioning. Prices climbed even though gas stockpiles grew by 36 Bcf to 3,153 Bcf through August 7, 2026 — a smaller-than-usual late-summer increase, per EIA data. High production limits further gains, but the heat outlook is driving prices right now.