CME Group Shatters Record for Natural Gas Futures Open Interest

CME Group has set a new record for open interest in Henry Hub natural gas futures. On September 1, 2026, the exchange saw 1,807,497 contracts traded, surpassing the previous record of 1,801,183 contracts on November 8, 2024.

This increase in trading is not surprising given that clients are positioning for geopolitical shifts and winter volatility. The Super El Niño event is reshaping weather-driven demand, while record LNG output is reordering global gas flows, and the Middle East is creating ongoing supply uncertainty.

CME Group's Global Head of Energy and Environmental Products, Peter Keavey, commented on the trend: 'Clients are turning to CME Group's energy futures and leading options markets to manage their risk.'