Investing.com - Natural gas futures rallied on Thursday, after data showed that U.S. natural gas supplies rose less-than-expected last week.
On the New York Mercantile Exchange, natural gas for delivery in November was up 1.68% to $2.514 per million British thermal units. Prices were at around $2.499 prior to the release of the supply data.
In its weekly report the Energy Information Administration said natural gas storage in the week ending October 2 rose by 95 billion cubic feet, compared to expectations for an increase of 98 bcf.
Total U.S. natural gas storage stood at 3,633 bcf the EIA said. Stocks were 443 bcf higher than last year at this time and 155 bcf above the five-year average of 3,478 bcf for this time of year.
EIA data shows that power plants account for approximately 32% of gas demand in the U.S. Demand for natural gas tends to fluctuate in the summer based on hot weather and air conditioning use.
Elsewhere on the Nymex, crude oil for delivery in November was up 0.88% at $48.22 a barrel, while heating oil for November delivery was little changed at $1.5795 per gallon.