Boosted

A strategic shift to move beyond California and only heavy oil production to a diverse geographic mix that included light oil and natural gas output boosted Berry Petroleum Co.’s 2004 production 24% in 2004, the company said Monday. Quarterly and year-end earnings also set records, with 4Q2004 net income up 169% to $25.3 million ($1.13/share), from 4Q2003’s $9.4 million (42 cents). Annual income rose 114% to $69.2 million ($3.08/share), compared with $32.4 million ($1.47) in 2003.

Calgary-based Talisman Energy Inc. increased its oil and natural gas production 10% in 2004, boosted by new production in Trinidad, an expansion in its Western Canadian operations, and continuing success from deep natural gas drilling in the Rocky Mountains.

Boosted by stronger results in its regulated business units, El Paso Corp. reported last week that it recorded a profit in 2Q2004. With Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval, El Paso filed the quarterly statement late to reconcile prior income statements between 2001 and 2003.

Boosted by stronger results in its regulated business units, El Paso Corp. reported Tuesday that it recorded a profit in 2Q2004. With Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval, El Paso filed the quarterly statement late to reconcile prior income statements between 2001 and 2003.

Boosted by stronger results in its regulated business units, El Paso Corp. reported Tuesday that it recorded a profit in 2Q2004. With Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval, El Paso filed the quarterly statement late to reconcile prior income statements between 2001 and 2003.

Boosted by the bullish combination of hurricane fears and Gulf-area production curtailments, the natural gas futures market surged higher early Tuesday on waves of commercial and local-trader buying. After gapping higher at the opening bell, the September contract shot to a new one-week high at $5.96 as all eyes were watching the development of Tropical Storm (TS) Bonnie in the Gulf of Mexico.

The unexpected increase in oil prices in the second quarter has boosted the third quarter natural gas forecast by management consultant R.W. Beck. Last Tuesday, Beck revised upward its prediction of the annual average price at Henry Hub by 50 cents/MMBtu to $5.86.

The unexpected increase in oil prices in the second quarter has boosted the third quarter natural gas forecast by management consultant R.W. Beck. On Tuesday, Beck revised upward its prediction of the annual average price at Henry Hub by 50 cents/MMBtu to $5.86.

Boosted higher in part due to the record day of its liquid counterpart, August natural gas futures on Wednesday climbed 5.9 cents to expire at $6.048, while September futures jumped 12 cents to close at $6.142.