Cash

Cash prices eased a penny on average Monday, with modest gains in the Midwest unable to offset declines in the Northeast and East. Major market centers were mixed. Futures prices were pounded lower by forecasts of warmer temperatures in the nation’s midsection, a stark contrast to last week’s outlooks calling for a cooler-than-normal regime. At the close May had fallen 14.1 cents to $4.267 and June was lower by 13.9 cents to $4.298. May crude oil expired at $88.76/bbl, down 75 cents.

Cash prices averaged about a nickel higher Thursday as cooler weather and higher prompt power prices kept the market well bid. Northeast points led the march higher with double-digit gains, but the move higher was broad and pervasive.

Natural gas cash prices overall averaged about a 6-cent gain on Wednesday for Thursday delivery as forecasts called for continued below normal temperatures throughout the Midwest and Great Lakes regions.

The natural gas cash market worked lower by 9 cents on average Tuesday for Wednesday delivery with all market and producing areas declining. Rocky Mountain points were hit hard, but locations in the Midwest were weak as well. Most major trading hubs lost anywhere from a nickel to a dime. At the close of futures trading the May natural gas contract had fallen 6.5 cents to $4.017 and June was off 6.1 cents to $4.057. May crude oil rose 84 cents to $94.20/bbl.

Natural gas cash prices overall surged 17 cents on average Monday led by mega-gains extending from the Rockies to Chicago. Without losses posted at a handful of Northeast points, the average gain becomes 21 cents.

Resolute Energy Corp. said Friday it plans to run with the Wolfcamp pack this year and increase net production by more than 50% over the 2012 level, reflecting, in part, recent acquisitions in Midland and Ector counties, TX.

Cash natural gas prices fell on average just over a nickel Thursday as weather continued to moderate and buyers balked at buying spot gas and resorted to storage gas withdrawals. Nearly all points experienced losses, and the biggest declines were seen on New England pipelines. Eastern points were also weak, and in the Midwest, prices slipped just under a nickel.

The cash market overall retreated 28 cents Wednesday, but if multi-dollar swan dives taken by Northeast and other thinly traded points are excluded, the drop comes to a more meaningful 11 cents. Nearly all points sustained sizeable losses. Midcontinent and California locations were down by double digits, but Gulf points also weakened. At the close of futures trading May had fallen 6.9 cents to $3.900 and June was off by 6.9 cents as well to $3.950. May crude oil plunged $2.74 to $94.45 on unsupportive inventory data and weak economic news.

Physical natural gas cash prices fell 3 cents on average Wednesday, but that included some hefty drops at northeastern points, as weather-related demand plummeted. If those are taken out of the mix, the overall market actually added a couple of pennies on average. Gulf points were particularly strong, and New England was particularly weak. Spot futures managed to settle well above $4 and posted an 18-month high. At settlement May was $4.068, up 7.7 cents and June added 7.7 cents as well to $4.108. May crude oil gained 24 cents to $96.58/bbl.