U.S. natural gas prices have collapsed since the end of winter, even as inventory levels remain below average levels for this time of year. Henry Hub prices spiked in the fourth quarter of 2018 due to record levels of demand, cold weather, and historically low inventories. But prices remained elevated, over $4/MMBtu, for only a brief period of time. Production continued to soar, so traders were not overly concerned about market tightness. As peak winter demand season drew to a close in March, prices continued to ease, and prices have eroded steadily in the last few months. Prices dipped below $2.30/MMBtu recently, hovering in that range for the first time in roughly three years. As recently as December, prices were twice as high as they are now. What’s going on? The main driver of the bearish market is production, which continues to ratchet higher, even as shale gas drillers […]