Lots

With prices languishing at their lowest levels in a decade, there’s been lots of hand wringing among supporters of natural gas-focused independents as they drop dry gas rigs or shift to more liquids-rich plays. But don’t expect to see any of those types of worry lines on the top guns of ExxonMobil Corp., the biggest gas producer in the United States.

With prices languishing at their lowest levels in a decade, there’s been lots of hand wringing among supporters of natural gas-focused independents as they drop dry gas rigs or shift to more liquids-rich plays. But don’t expect to see any of those types of worry lines on the top guns of ExxonMobil Corp., the biggest gas producer in the United States.

Foreign buyers up to now have been gaining intelligence about drilling in North America’s prolific unconventional formations through joint ventures (JV) and region-specific acquisitions with willing U.S. natural gas and producers, but that’s about to change, according to an energy expert with industry consultant PwC US.

Lots of capital is “sitting on the sidelines,” making now a very good time to build energy and other infrastructure in the United States, according to Richard Cortright, a managing director at Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P).

Lots of capital is “sitting on the sidelines,” making now a very good time to build energy and other infrastructure in the United States, according to Richard Cortright, a managing director at Standard and Poor’s Rating Services (S&P).

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger Ltd. apparently is close to completing a transaction to buy Houston-based Smith International Inc., which is one of the largest drillbit producers in the world.

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger Ltd. apparently is close to completing a transaction to buy Houston-based Smith International Inc., which is one of the largest drillbit producers in the world.

There is lots of room to grow for the long-term, pre-paid natural gas supply deals that municipal utilities are lining up with increasing frequency, although the current credit crunch could slow the growth for the rest of 2007, a panel of financial and gas industry speakers told participants last Wednesday at the LDC Forum Rockies & West conference in Los Angeles.

There is lots of room to grow for the long-term, pre-paid natural gas supply deals that municipal utilities are lining up with increasing frequency, although the current credit crunch could slow the growth for the rest of 2007, a panel of financial and gas industry speakers told participants Wednesday at the LDC Forum — Rockies & West conference in Los Angeles.