@Tfmonkey Some thoughts I had with your theory on the natural gas price being manipulated. I think there is a connection with that and the government floating a ban on gas stoves. That might just be a tell that they are indeed manipulating the market, and they are looking for ways to prevent more use of gas. Sure, there was no ban yet, but they are hoping to scare people from even buying a gas stove or to get rid of their existing one.
Not saying this is going to help, but it's the government.