Buoyant

Physical natural gas prices on average rose 8 cents Monday led by strong gains posted by East and Northeast points, hefty screen gains, and buoyant next-day power prices. New England locations proved to be the biggest winners, but eastern points were not far behind. Gulf and California points firmed as well. At the close of futures trading July had advanced 14.2 cents to $3.875 and August rose 13.8 cents to $3.897. July crude oil slipped 8 cents to $97.77/bbl.