US natural gas futures hovered near $3.12–$3.25 per MMBtu in mid-October 2026, consolidating after Hurricane Isaias-related production shut-ins and an 85 Bcf storage build reported for the week ended October 2. Working gas inventories reached 3,500 Bcf, roughly 2% above the five-year average, with EIA projections pointing to end-October levels near 3,850–3,985 Bcf—among the highest in a decade. Milder weather forecasts have tempered near-term heating demand while Lower-48 output recovered toward 109–110 Bcfd and LNG feedgas flows remained elevated near 17–18 Bcfd. These ample supplies and shoulder-season conditions have capped upward momentum, though any colder forecast revisions or larger storage draws could support prices. The next EIA storage report and updated demand models remain key near-term catalysts.