The anticipated 82 Bcf build exceeds the 73 Bcf average typically recorded during this time of year between 2021 and 2025. If realized, this shift will push the total storage volume to 2,768 Bcf. Analysts' individual projections remain wide, spanning from a modest 66 Bcf increase to a more substantial 117 Bcf gain.

This growth trajectory expands the current surplus over the five-year average to 160 Bcf, up from 151 Bcf the previous week. Simultaneously, the gap against year-earlier levels is expected to widen, moving from a 5 Bcf deficit to 20 Bcf. The U.S. Energy Information Administration will confirm these figures on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. EDT.