Updated

Natural gas prices rose after forecasters and market participants pointed to a stronger-than-expected demand outlook, citing factors including seasonal consumption patterns and rising power needs. The move adds to a broader rally across energy commodities this week. The uptick in nat-gas prices comes alongside surging crude oil prices tied to geopolitical supply risks and record-high diesel costs, together signaling broad-based upward pressure across the energy complex that could feed into inflation and transportation cost concerns.