NEW YORK (AP) — The Energy Department is expected to report on Thursday that the nation's natural gas supplies grew by 27 billion to 31 billion cubic feet in the week ended Aug. 3, according to a survey of analysts by Platts, the energy information arm of McGraw-Hill Cos.

A build of that size would be in line with the 31 billion cubic feet put in storage in the same week a year ago and below the five-year average addition of 45 billion cubic feet. The nation's gas reserves remain well above average because of strong production and relatively weak demand.

The Energy Information Administration releases its weekly report at 10:30 a.m. EDT.