Key Takeaways
- EIA reported a 144 Bcf withdrawal from natural gas storage for the week ending Feb. 13, slightly lower than the 149 Bcf draw expected by analysts.
- Natural gas futures pared earlier gains to trade up 0.4% following the report, as the data was largely viewed as in line with market expectations.
- Salt dome cavern stocks saw a modest decrease of 8 Bcf, a significant slowdown from the previous week's 52 Bcf drop.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated there is "no Plan B for Gaza," emphasizing that the current peace initiative is the only alternative to a return to war.
- Total storage remains at a deficit of approximately 123 Bcf relative to the five-year average, though strong production near 110 Bcf/d continues to cap price upside.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) announced on Thursday that domestic natural gas storage fell by 144 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ending February 13, 2026. This withdrawal was slightly narrower than the consensus estimate of 149 Bcf and followed a much larger 249 Bcf draw in the preceding week.
Natural gas futures, which had been edging higher in anticipation of the data, pared gains shortly after the release. Prices for the March contract were up roughly 0.4% as traders digested a report that failed to provide a significant bullish surprise despite ongoing winter demand. The United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) and ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Natural Gas (BOIL) saw immediate volatility as the market adjusted to the "near-estimate" figures.
Market analysts noted that while the storage deficit persists, it is being increasingly offset by robust domestic supply. U.S. dry natural gas production has recently averaged around 110.2 Bcf/d, while feedgas nominations for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, including those operated by Cheniere Energy (LNG), remain strong at approximately 19.3 Bcf/d.
In geopolitical developments, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" in Washington. Rubio declared that there is "no Plan B for Gaza," asserting that the administration's current diplomatic framework is the only viable path to avoid a return to active warfare.
The Secretary's comments come as the U.S. leads an international effort to establish a stabilization force and a $5 billion reconstruction fund for the region. Investors are closely monitoring these diplomatic efforts, as regional stability remains a critical factor for global energy security and broader market sentiment throughout 2026.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.