Goods

The impact of unconventional domestic shale gas and tight oil reserves is impacting domestic manufacturing and has upended global competitiveness, according to IHS Inc.

The Marcellus Shale industry is driving job growth in Pennsylvania, according to new government figures.

Irving, TX-based super major ExxonMobil Corp. delivered the goods in 2Q2010, reporting that its net profits jumped 85% and production rose 8% from the year-ago period. Excluding one-time charges, ExxonMobil earned $7.56 billion ($1.60/share), compared with $3.95 billion (85 cents) in 2Q2009.

Irving, TX-based super major ExxonMobil Corp. delivered the goods on Thursday, reporting that its 2Q2010 net profits jumped 85% and production was up by 8% from the year-ago period. Excluding one-time charges, ExxonMobil earned $7.56 billion ($1.60/share), compared with $3.95 billion (85 cents) in 2Q2009.

While the real price of other goods and services in the U.S.increased by 34% since 1987, the price of natural gas to consumershas decreased by an average 14%, from 1987 to 1997, according to areport used by the American Gas Association to show FERC thatretail unbundling is working. The distributors’ group told afederal/state regulatory policy conference Thursday the price toconsumers went from an average $4.47/Mcf in 1987 to $3.85 in 1997(all in 1997 $). Of that delivered price the total transportationand distribution cost to consumers went from $2.23 to $1.53, a 31%decline, AGA said, citing surveys by the Energy InformationAdministration. During the same period the wellhead price wentfrom $2.24 (in 1997 $) to $2.32 in 1997.