The benchmark U.S. natural gas prices rose by more than 3% early on Thursday ahead of the weekly EIA gas inventory report, to the highest level in two weeks, amid expectations of higher demand for the fuel next week. As of 9:05 a.m. ET on Thursday, the front-month futures at the Henry Hub, the U.S. benchmark, were trading 3.20% higher at $7.125 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). Demand for natural gas across the United States is expected to rise in the coming days more than previously expected, according to Reuters estimates. U.S. natural…
