BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 9. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has released its latest data on underground natural gas storage for the Lower 48 states, revealing a net withdrawal of 40 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ending January 3, 2025, Trend reports.
The total working gas in storage now stands at 3,373 Bcf, reflecting both seasonal dynamics and broader market trends.
Key highlights and regional analysis
1. Storage levels compared to historical data:
• Total stocks are 3 Bcf lower than this time last year (3,376 Bcf on January 3, 2024).
• However, current inventories are 207 Bcf above the 5-year average of 3,166 Bcf (+6.5%), indicating a stronger-than-average supply position.
2. Regional performance:
• East: Storage dropped by 8 Bcf, leaving a total of 737 Bcf, which is -4.2% below last year’s levels and slightly above the 5-year average (+1.1%).
• Midwest: The region saw the largest withdrawal at -33 Bcf, reducing stocks to 881 Bcf, significantly below both last year’s levels (-6.0%) and the 5-year average (-0.6%).
• Mountain: Despite a minor withdrawal of 7 Bcf, storage at 255 Bcf is 14.9% above last yearand 40.9% above the 5-year average, showing strong supply resilience.
• Pacific: Stocks fell by 2 Bcf to 293 Bcf, remaining 6.2% above last year and 25.4% higherthan the 5-year average.
• South Central: This region added 10 Bcf, with notable contributions from Salt facilities (+15 Bcf). Total stocks in the region reached 1,207 Bcf, up 3.0% from last year and 7.9% above the 5-year average.
3. Salt vs. non-salt facilities in South Central:
• Salt facilities contributed a significant injection of +15 Bcf, increasing their total to 364 Bcf, up 8.7% from last year and 12.7% above the 5-year average.
• Non-Salt facilities saw a minor decline of 4 Bcf, ending at 844 Bcf, maintaining levels 0.9% above last year and 5.9% above the 5-year average.
Seasonal trends and market impact
The 40 Bcf withdrawal aligns with seasonal winter demand as colder temperatures drive increased residential and commercial heating needs. However, the total storage remains well within the 5-year historical range, signaling adequate supply to meet peak demand.
Regions like the Midwest and East, which experienced significant withdrawals, highlight the heightened reliance on stored gas during winter. Meanwhile, the Mountain and Pacific regions display notable surpluses, supporting supply stability in the western United States.