Contract

Ethane from the Marcellus and Utica shales will feed a flexible steam cracker in Stenungsund, Sweden, under a 10-year agreement between producer Antero Resources and Austria-based Borealis, a provider of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilizers.

The expiring August natural gas contract is set to open a penny higher Tuesday morning at $3.76 as traders square positions ahead of contract expiration yet still see plump storage builds containing any price rallies. Overnight oil markets were mixed.

Electricite de France SA (EDF) has signed up to be the first foundation customer for the third train of Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC project in Corpus Christi, TX.

August natural gas is expected to open a penny lower Friday morning at $4.43 as traders see only limited market support from forecast warm weather, and admit that new downside technical parameters are in play. Overnight oil markets were narrowly mixed.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has for a second time extended the comment period for two rulemakings aimed at limiting speculative trading in the swaps markets. The agency proposed the rules late last year.

The expiring June futures contract is seen opening 2 cents higher Wednesday morning at $4.53 as traders mull strength in the cash market and position themselves before the release of Thursday’s gas storage report. Overnight oil markets eased.

March natural gas is set to open 13 cents higher Monday morning at $6.26 as traders ratchet up once again expectations of bone-chilling cold expected to hit the eastern three-quarters of the nation. Overnight oil markets were mixed.

Reaching the deadline for comments on proposed new rules aimed at limiting speculative trading in the swaps markets, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) had heard from dozens of energy companies, financial institutions and others, most recommending alterations to the agency’s proposed rulemaking.

Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Corpus Christi Liquefaction LLC has struck a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with PT Pertamina (Persero) under which Pertamina has agreed to purchase about 0.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a liquefaction and export terminal being developed near Corpus Christi, TX. Cheniere Inc. shares hit a new high on Friday following the news.