Curve

Natural gas forwards markets were a mixed bag for the second week of December as colder forecasts for the end of the month bolstered some key Northeast points, while generally mild conditions throughout the rest of the U.S. pressured other regions.

Since last year, gas supplies are higher, prices are lower, the forward curve is friendlier to buyers, but winter is still a wild card, FERC staff told the Commission last Thursday during the Winter 2012-2013 Energy Market Assessment presentation.

Since last year, gas supplies are higher, prices are lower, the forward curve is friendlier to buyers, but winter is still a wild card, FERC staff told the Commission Thursday during the Winter 2012-2013 Energy Market Assessment presentation.

Shale plays globally are a very good long-term asset and the continuing hype about the under-explored Monterey Shale in California is worthy of most of the superlatives, according to two analysts at Wood Mackenzie’s Houston office.

Monster U.S. oil supply growth will force domestic producers to curtail onshore activity in the upcoming weeks but it won’t be soon enough for 2013 oil prices, which likely will be “uglier than expected,” Raymond James & Associates Inc. analysts said Monday.

Proposed North American natural gas liquefaction projects have been popping up like dandelions over the last several months. By the count of Barclays Capital analysts, there are now nine proposals to liquefy the continent’s gas and send it abroad. Asian markets appear to be the most attractive destination, they said.

The Ohio General Assembly is considering a bill that would open leasing rights for all property owned by the state government — including state parks — to oil and gas companies.

The integrated majors are taking proactive steps to improve their growth curve, including a stronger focus in North America, an energy analyst with Raymond James & Associates Inc. said last week.

The integrated majors are taking proactive steps to improve their growth curve, including a stronger focus in North America, an energy analyst with Raymond James & Associates Inc. said Monday.