U.S. natural gas futures declined as U.S. Energy Information Administration data revealed the smallest weekly inventory increase so far this injection season.

The modest build came amid mild weather patterns across key demand regions, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Analysts noted that the 28 billion cubic feet increase marked a significant slowdown compared to the previous week's larger injection.

Market participants had been closely watching storage levels after a period of volatile weather and fluctuating production rates. The Henry Hub benchmark continued its downward trend, settling below $3 per million British thermal units.

Industry experts suggest that unless weather patterns shift dramatically, natural gas prices may remain under pressure through the remainder of the injection season.