Natural Gas Prices

[Money & Finance]

Natural gas futures skyrocketed as much as 20% yesterday. Traders are worried about skimpy supply levels (which are at a 15-year seasonal low) heading into what could be a frigid few months.

• Of course, new weather forecasts and supply concerns aren't the only factors at play here. Wonky hedge fund strategies also contributed a great deal to the market volatility, according to some analysts. 

Still, natural gas prices are up more than 50% this year. And that could mean a higher heating bill this winter (especially if you're in the Northeast, which suffers from Pipeline Deficiency Syndrome). 

+ The more you know: A common unit of measurement for natural gas is "mmBtus," or one million British Thermal Units. A Btu is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.