Players

Although noting that industry never wants to be taxed, one of the largest players in the Marcellus Shale said it supports an impact fee in principle.

November natural gas advanced Tuesday as players sensed some angst developing in traders who last week sold short and are now being forced to cover since their market objectives are not being realized. At the close November had risen 7.5 cents to $3.616 and December added 2.3 cents to $3.859. November crude oil added 40 cents to $85.81/bbl.

As policymakers, stakeholders and industry players all try to rethink the domestic natural gas landscape, the use of gas in transportation continues to raise expectations for robust growth in the next few years. A report from Colorado-based energy research firm Pike Research LLC reiterated the growth scenario, but not without some caveats.

As policymakers, stakeholders and industry players all try to rethink the domestic natural gas landscape, the use of gas in transportation continues to raise expectations for robust growth in the next few years. A report from Colorado-based energy research firm Pike Research LLC reiterated the growth scenario, but not without some caveats.

Among those midstream players scurrying to put assets on the ground is Enterprise Products Partners LP, which posted record earnings for the second quarter. During an earnings conference call COO Jim Teague enthused about growth in the Eagle Ford and Haynesville shales, as well as plans to move liquids out of the Marcellus.

Rex Energy Corp. is joining the ranks of companies pursuing the Utica Shale of eastern Ohio. The State College, PA-based company recently acquired 11,000 net acres in Carroll County, OH, for an estimated $40 million and plans to continue acquiring acreage in preparation for a drilling program in 2012.

July natural gas took another small step higher Wednesday as traders adjust to strong interest by algorithmic and fund players and expectations of much-below-normal inventory increases in a government inventory report Thursday.

Houston-based Marathon, which is the fourth largest integrated producer in the United States, began leasing acreage in the DJ Basin in 2010. It currently is acquiring 2-D and 3-D seismic data and expects to participate in eight to 12 gross exploration wells by the end of the year.

May natural gas futures continued their slide as traders reported no interest by commercial players and seemed resigned to the ongoing slump. Expectations are for a withdrawal in Thursday’s inventory report, but that is seen as little help to the bullish cause. At the end of the day May had retreated another 8.5 cents to $4.146 and June had given up 8.4 cents to $4.220. May crude oil continued its run higher, adding 49 cents to $108.83/bbl.