Market reference update: Contract examples below may be historical. See the official exchange resources for current listings and terms.
Natural Gas futures are standardized, exchange-traded contracts in which the contract buyer agrees to take delivery, from the seller, a specific quantity of natural gas (eg. 10000 mmbtus) at a predetermined price on a future delivery date.
Exchange and contract information
Contract availability, lot size, quotation units, exercise style and settlement are product-specific. Use the current official resources below; historical contracts named in older examples should not be assumed to be listed today.
Official futures market resources
Use the exchange pages for current contract specifications and margin information. Quotes may be delayed or require sign-in. Margin requirements vary by position and broker.
| Exchange & futures product | Market information | Margin information |
|---|---|---|
| NYMEX Henry Hub Natural Gas (NG) | Quotes / market data Contract specifications | View margin information |
Exchange references reviewed 2026-09-12. Educational examples and exchange names elsewhere in this article may be historical.
Natural Gas Price Chart — CFD Reference
OANDA Natural Gas CFD reference price. This broker CFD (contract for difference) is a market reference, not a spot price or an exchange futures contract. Prices and quoting units may differ from the contracts described in this guide. Check the widget timestamp and market status; prices may be delayed.
Natural Gas Futures Trading Basics
Consumers and producers of natural gas can manage natural gas price risk by purchasing and selling natural gas futures. Natural Gas producers can employ a short hedge to lock in a selling price for the natural gas they produce while businesses that require natural gas can utilize a long hedge to secure a purchase price for the commodity they need.
Natural Gas futures are also traded by speculators who assume the price risk that hedgers try to avoid in return for a chance to profit from favorable natural gas price movement. Speculators buy natural gas futures when they believe that natural gas prices will go up. Conversely, they will sell natural gas futures when they think that natural gas prices will fall.
Learn More About Natural Gas Futures & Options Trading
- Buying Natural Gas Futures to Profit from a Rise in Natural Gas Prices
- Selling Natural Gas Futures to Profit from a Fall in Natural Gas Prices
- Natural Gas Options Basics
- Natural Gas Call Option Trading Basics
- Natural Gas Put Option Trading Basics
- Hedging Against Rising Natural Gas Prices with Natural Gas Futures
- Hedging Against Falling Natural Gas Prices with Natural Gas Futures
Content reviewed:
References: CME hedge mechanics and basis; CME futures/options hedging guide. Contract-specific resources appear on the linked market page.