Contributed

The build-out of pipeline infrastructure in recent years has contributed to the efficiency of the nation’s natural gas delivery grid as previously stranded gas can now reach high-demand markets. New trading activity and pricing locations have emerged, prompting NGI to establish new price indices for Transwestern San Juan (TSJ) and the Clarington, OH, terminus of Rockies Express (REX).

The build-out of pipeline infrastructure in recent years has contributed to the efficiency of the nation’s natural gas delivery grid, as previously stranded gas can now reach high-demand markets. New trading activity and pricing locations have emerged, prompting NGI to establish new price indices for Transwestern San Juan (TSJ) and the Clarington, OH, terminus of Rockies Express (REX).

The build-out of pipeline infrastructure in recent years has contributed to the efficiency of the nation’s natural gas delivery grid as previously stranded gas can now reach high-demand markets. New trading activity and pricing locations have emerged, prompting NGI to establish new price indices for Transwestern San Juan (TSJ) and the Clarington, OH, terminus of Rockies Express (REX).

A drop in U.S. natural gas prices in late August contributed to a surge in global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 3Q2009, resulting in 112 transactions worth almost $21 billion, according to an analysis by Houston-based PLS Inc. and Derrick Petroleum Services. North American transactions led all others.

A drop in U.S. natural gas prices in late August contributed to a surge in global merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in 3Q2009, resulting in 112 transactions worth almost $21 billion, according to an analysis by Houston-based PLS Inc. and Derrick Petroleum Services. North American transactions led all others.

The plummeting North American natural gas-directed drilling rig count contributed greatly to a more than halving of profit at Schlumberger Ltd., the world’s largest oilfield services company. CEO Andrew Gould told financial analysts there is little hope for recovery this year.

The plummeting North American natural gas-directed drilling rig count contributed greatly to a more than halving of profit at Schlumberger Ltd., the world’s largest oilfield services company. CEO Andrew Gould told financial analysts there is little hope for recovery this year. The leading executives at rival firms Halliburton and Nabors Industries largely agreed.

The United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) shot back on Friday at those who claim the fund has contributed to dramatic swings in U.S. natural gas prices since September 2007. In the process it may have fired a preemptive strike before the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) convenes next week to discuss possible limits on futures positions (see related story; see NGI, July 13a). The fund also took a preventive measure in case the CFTC comes down hard on noncommercial traders. The fund purchased its first ever bilateral, nonexchange traded natural gas swap contract on Friday.

The United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) shot back on Friday at those who claim the fund has contributed to dramatic swings in U.S. natural gas prices since September 2007. In the process it may have fired a preemptive strike before the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) convenes next week to discuss possible limits on futures positions (see Daily GPI, July 22a). The fund also took a preventive measure in case the CFTC comes down hard on noncommercial traders. The fund purchased its first ever bilateral, nonexchange traded natural gas swap contract on Friday.