Weekly Gas Storage: Inventories Rise by 85 Bcf
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**EIA Reports 85 Bcf Net Injection into Natural Gas Storage**
According to the latest estimates released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), working natural gas in underground storage reached 3,500 Bcf for the week ending Friday, October 2, 2026. This reflects a net increase of 85 Bcf from the prior week.
While the current inventory level sits within the historical five-year range, it is 130 Bcf lower than the same period last year. However, total stocks remain 68 Bcf higher than the five-year average of 3,432 Bcf.
### Regional Breakdown and Inventory Changes
Every region tracked in the Lower 48 states recorded inventory growth during the week:
* **South Central:** Led the overall build with an increase of 28 Bcf (14 Bcf in Salt and 15 Bcf in Nonsalt facilities, subject to rounding), bringing total regional inventory to 1,076 Bcf.
* **Midwest:** Increased by 26 Bcf, raising stocks to 1,010 Bcf.
* **East:** Added 22 Bcf, bringing its total to 862 Bcf.
* **Mountain:** Rose by 5 Bcf to a total of 253 Bcf.
* **Pacific:** Grew by 4 Bcf to reach 299 Bcf.
### Historical Comparison
Current total reserves are 3.6% lower than last year’s level of 3,630 Bcf, but they sit 2.0% above the five-year average.
Most regions are currently tracking above their five-year historical averages. The exceptions are the South Central region overall, which is down 2.3%, and its Salt storage subcategory, which sits 14.0% below its five-year average.
