Boom

Technology advances have driven the shale boom and the industry’s ability to analyze markets, but it isn’t any easier to answer the question of how long abundant supplies and low prices will characterize the natural gas industry. That was one of conclusions from three experts on a panel at the LDC Forum: Rockies & West conference on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) may be at the center of current debate in states that are experiencing a shale gas boom, but it will remain an important part of the industry and can be performed safely, according to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) may be at the center of current debate in states that are experiencing a shale gas boom, but it will remain an important part of the industry and can be performed safely, according to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

The boom in natural gas shale exploration and production (E&P) is fueling “significant cost advantages” for North America’s commodity chemicals producers because the costs of gas and oil-based feedstocks remain far apart, according to a report by Fitch Ratings.

A fundamental shift in the North American natural gas outlook, driven by the shale boom, promises to keep wholesale prices low for a long time to come, according to revised forecasts released on Wednesday by the Portland, OR-based Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC).

Attractive margins, supported by shale plays, are driving producers and consumers to perpetuate a boom in natural gas liquids (NGL) while midstream infrastructure is running to keep up with demand, Enterprise Products Partners LP COO Jim Teague said last week.

A fundamental shift in the North American natural gas outlook, driven by the shale boom, promises to keep wholesale prices low for a long time to come, according to revised forecasts released on Wednesday by the Portland, OR-based Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC).

Attractive margins, supported by shale plays, are driving producers and consumers to perpetuate a boom in natural gas liquids (NGL) while midstream infrastructure is running to keep up with demand, Enterprise Products Partners LP COO Jim Teague said Tuesday.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) “recently began serving” subpoenas on producers active in natural gas shale development, according to Baird Equity Research, which cited an “attorney advertisement” issued by Houston law firm Fulbright & Jaworski as its source.