Recorded

Triangle Petroleum Corp. recorded the first profitable quarter in its history, is on track to meet its oil production goal for the year and is excited about its new joint venture (JV) in the Bakken Shale, even as it keeps at the ready plans to drop a drilling rig should policymakers in Washington, DC, fail to reach a compromise over the fiscal cliff.

The cash market jumped nearly 29 cents on average Tuesday as a cold front dropped high temperatures recorded early in the day by as much as 20 degrees in just minutes. Northeast and eastern points in the crosshairs of the cold front jumped the most, with some points realizing multi-dollar gains. Gulf and Great Lakes points were also strong. December futures added 16.9 cents to $3.739 and January advanced 16.2 cents to $3.857. December crude oil slipped 19 cents to $85.38/bbl.

North American natural gas heavyweight Encana Corp. on Wednesday reported a $1.24 billion net loss in 3Q2012, primarily from the impact of low natural gas prices.

All actively traded cash points recorded losses on gas for weekend and Monday delivery in Friday’s trading. The physical market on average fell 13 cents with Northeast points enduring the greatest declines. Eastern and Gulf points were weak as well. At the close of futures trading October had shed 9.4 cents to $2.943 and November had dropped 8.1 cents to $3.083. October crude oil added 69 cents to $99.00/bbl.

The physical market bounded sharply higher Tuesday, prompted by a strong screen and low inventories at some points. Nearly all points recorded double-digit gains. At the close of futures trading, October had added 18.0 cents to $2.992 and November had climbed 16.3 cents to $3.104. October crude oil gained 63 cents to $97.17/bbl.

Much of the physical natural gas market recorded small upticks for a second straight day despite the facts that summer heat is waning and the levels of natural gas in storage are more than comfortable. While most regions did report gains, pockets of declines were prevalent on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery in the Northeast and the Rockies, while a number of points were flat. September futures put in a quiet day Tuesday with a $2.775 close, one-tenth of a penny lower than Monday’s finish.

The country may be suffering through one of its worst droughts in decades and record high temperatures are being recorded on a monthly basis, but portions of the eastern United States can expect above-normal snowfall during the 2012-2013 winter season, according to forecasters at AccuWeather.com.

The U.S. oil and natural gas rig count will fall through 2013, with a “glaring change” to the forecast for wet gas drilling, according to Raymond James & Associates Inc. A “meaningful rebound” won’t occur until the second half of 2014 and through 2015, analysts said Monday.

These days with no end to decade-low gas prices in sight, Newfield Exploration Co. CEO Lee Boothby can’t wait to be in charge of an oil-weighted production company, and it’s going to happen soon, he said Wednesday. Newfield has put down the dry gas drillbit and is focusing intently on oil and liquids-rich plays.