US natural gas futures slid more than 3% to around $3.48 per million British thermal units, hitting their lowest level since late October, pressured by forecasts pointing to warmer temperatures. Above-normal readings are expected to dominate the eastern two-thirds of the country from January 7–11, with the warm pattern expanding into the north-central US from January 12–16, suggesting reduced near-term demand for the fuel. Meanwhile, markets are assessing the broader energy-market implications of the US attack on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela holds nearly 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, accounting for more than 60% of Latin America’s total reserves. While the latest developments are most significant for crude oil and refined products, investors are watching for any escalation that could lead to sanctions or damage key infrastructure, potentially disrupting LNG trade routes or shipping lanes and, in turn, affecting natural gas markets.
