The Kansas City Board of Trade expects to fan the flames ofinterest in its Western Natural Gas Futures Contract by offering asecond round of two-year gas trading permits for $1,000 each plusapplication fees of $300. Twenty trading permits are being offeredto non-KCBT members. Currently about 15-20 traders are active inthe gas pit so the offering potentially could double the exchange’sgas trading activity.

The last time trading permits were sold was when the contractwas launched in August 1995. But since last December, open interesthas more than tripled and volume has shown moderate growth. Theexchange hopes adding more traders in the pit to take orders willgive the contract a turbo boost.

“The KCBT natural gas market has turned the corner and is on thepath to becoming an even greater success,” said Jay Lubowski,chairman of KCBT’s natural gas contract committee. “The permitprogram announced today offers individuals the chance to trade in adynamic, growing market for a minimal fee.” The permits will beeffecting July 1. To maintain an active permit, minimum tradingvolume and frequency will be required.

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