Factored

Cash gas prices overall for weekend and Monday delivery dropped an average of 6 cents, but if the distorting effects of Northeast pipelines are factored out, the national average comes in nearly unchanged. Eastern points followed soft power prices, but Rockies prices added about a nickel. The April contract shed 0.8 cent to $3.927 and May eased 0.9 cent to $3.952. May crude oil rose $1.26 to $93.71/bbl.

Cash gas prices overall on average gained 6 cents Monday, but if the monster gains on Iroquois and Tennessee in the Northeast are factored out, the gains come in at a mere penny. The Midwest, Great Lakes were strong, while eastern points were little changed. Strong eastern power prices helped lend a solid undertone to New York and New England gains.

Cash market trading yielded a decline of 2 cents overall Friday, but if the sizable losses on Tennessee and Algonquin are factored out, the physical market scored a 2-cent advance.

Cash prices fell 13 cents on average Thursday, but if the big-dollar losses sustained on Algonquin, Iroquois, as well as portions of Tennessee and Transco are factored out, the market fell only a penny.

Spot natural gas prices on average fell 37 cents Monday, but if volatile New England pipes such as Algonquin, Iroquois and portions of Tennessee are factored out, the decline was about 3 cents.

Cash prices on average gained 33 cents overall Friday, but if the volatile East and Northeast are factored out, the average rose 16 cents. Gains were widespread, and Midwest points showed weather-driven strength. At the close February had risen 7.2 cents to $3.566 and March was higher by 7.0 cents to $3.565. February crude oil added 7 cents to $95.56/bbl.

Cash natural gas prices on average gained more than 15 cents Thursday, but if volatile and constrained points such as New York and New England are factored out, the overall gain was just over a couple of pennies.

Prices for weekend and Monday gas gained about 9 cents overall, but if Northeast points basking in mild temperatures are factored out, the gain was 12 cents.

Physical gas prices overall averaged a healthy gain of 28 cents Monday, but when volatile East and Northeast points are factored out, the national gain was a more modest 4 cents. Points serving the New York and Boston areas finished the day over $15, but the benchmark Henry Hub was just 2 cents higher at just over $3.40. Futures prices slumped on light volume as medium term weather forecasts moderated. At the close February was down 11.8 cents to $3.351 and March had sunk 11.7 cents to $3.365. February crude oil gained $1.02 to $91.82/bbl.