Natural Gas Prices Jump 60% in Two Days as U.S. Cold Wave Hits.

U.S. natural gas futures rose roughly 60% over two days as an Arctic cold wave boosted expected heating demand; retail gas prices generally take months to reflect market moves.

U.S. natural gas futures climbed sharply this week as an Arctic cold wave moved across much of the country. The market surge reflects forecasts for higher near-term heating demand as storms and below-average temperatures are expected in many regions. Retail natural gas prices usually take several months to reflect wholesale market swings, so immediate bill impacts are limited. Key facts: - Futures tied to the Henry Hub benchmark rose about 29% in one session and roughly 60% over two days, a record two-day gain reported by the article. - Forecasters expect a winter storm extending from the Southwest to the East Coast and substantially colder-than-average conditions across the eastern half of the U.S. - Retail gas prices typically lag wholesale moves by months and also reflect demand from other uses such as power generation. - The article mentions that shares of some natural gas producers and a natural gas ETF rose alongside the market rally this week. Summary: The market spike reflects near-term demand expectations as cold weather arrives, while most consumers are unlikely to see immediate retail price changes because retail prices generally adjust more slowly. Undetermined at this time.