Natural gas futures surged Wednesday, driven by fears that an approaching hurricane could disrupt production in the Gulf of Mexico. Prices jumped as traders worried about potential damage to offshore platforms and pipelines. The Gulf region is a major source of natural gas, and any significant disruption to supply could have a ripple effect across the country.

Analysts are closely monitoring the storm’s path and intensity. The uncertainty surrounding the hurricane is expected to keep prices volatile in the near term. Some experts predict that prices could climb even higher if the storm intensifies or moves directly into key production areas.

Consumers could see higher energy bills if natural gas prices remain elevated. Power plants that rely on natural gas to generate electricity may pass on increased costs to customers. The situation underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and investing in infrastructure that can withstand severe weather events.