MPLX LP management said strong natural gas demand is providing optimism for continued volume growth on its midstream systems in 2023 despite a steady decline in prices since the summer.

MPLX has set aside $800 million of growth capital for the year, with a particular focus on debottlenecking and expansion projects in the Permian Basin as well as in the Marcellus and Bakken shales. Another $150 million earmarked for maintenance.

In the Logistics and Storage business unit, the midstream company is working with its partners to expand Permian takeaway with the addition of three compressor stations along the Whistler Pipeline. The additions would boost pipeline capacity to 2.5 Bcf/d from 2.0 Bcf/d, with in-service targeted for the third quarter.

[Where are natural gas prices...