Natural Gas Is Plentiful, So Why Is the Price Rising?

America has more natural gas in storage than usual — 3,169 Bcf as of August 14, 2026, which is 185 Bcf above the recent average. Even so, gas futures trade at $2.89. The government's energy office says prices reflect expectations of tighter supply ahead, not today's surplus. Pipeline exports are projected to rise from 9.5 to 10.0 Bcf/d by 2027.