Physical gas prices overall on average jumped a whopping 37 cents Monday as traders scrambled to deal with multiple challenges ranging from high power prices, to covering short positions, to below normal temperatures forecast for major eastern and Midwest energy markets. The Northeast was especially strong, with a couple of New England points registering gains north of $4.00. Futures traders were looking at more distant weather events and sold early and sold often. At the close December had fallen 17.1 cents to $3.730 and January was down 16.6 cents to $3.868. January crude oil fell 54 cents to $87.74/bbl.
Scrambled
Articles from Scrambled
East, Northeast Lead Broad Advance; Futures Make It Four In A Row
The cash market overall surged on average by 17 cents Tuesday as traders scrambled to make up volumes not purchased going into the long holiday weekend, screen prices initiated a solid advance to close at the high end of the day’s range, and traders hinted at expectations of a bullish storage report Thursday. At the close of futures trading, October was 5.5 cents higher at $2.854 and November had added 3.7 cents to $3.000. October crude oil tumbled $1.17 to $95.30/bbl.
Cash Adds an Inch, But Futures Take a Mile
The physical gas market overall rose about a penny Thursday as traders scrambled to get deals done before the release of a key government report. Maintenance on a Northeast pipeline prompted double-digit gains at several points in New England. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported an inventory build of 67 Bcf, which was significantly less than market expectations, and prices surged. At the close of futures trading July had soared 31.0 cents to $2.495 and August had advanced 30.5 cents to $2.541. July crude oil added $1.29 to $83.91/bbl.
Traders Not Likely to Sell as They Square Books; December Gains
December natural gas rose Tuesday on extremely light volume as traders scrambled to determine positions and locate funds in the aftermath of the MF Global trading debacle. At the close December had risen 4.9 cents to $3.745 and January had gained 4.0 cents to $3.843. December crude oil added $1.28 to $96.80/bbl.
Correction
The story “Ranking Shows ‘Scrambled’ Pipe Capacity Trader Lineup” in the Oct. 12 issue of Natural Gas Intelligence included incorrect information from a source. RBS Sempra Energy Trading should be ranked 13th among pipeline capacity traders.
Correction
The story “Top Pipe Capacity Players ‘Scrambled,’ Ranking Shows” in the Oct. 7 issue of NGI’s Daily Gas Price Index included incorrect information from a source. RBS Sempra Energy Trading should be ranked 13th among pipeline capacity traders.
Category 4 Dennis Prompts Scramble Out of Eastern Gulf; At Least 1 Bcf/d Shut In
With Dennis having further strengthened into an extremely dangerous Category Four hurricane overnight, producers scrambled Friday morning to batten down the hatches in the eastern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) by evacuating platform and drilling rig workers and shutting in production as necessary. Pipelines with offshore segments or connections in the eastern Gulf were posting bulletin board warnings of expected supply losses as the day wore on and instructing shippers on the proper response.
CAISO Sets Record Peak for Third Straight Day
As private and public sector utilities scrambled to adjust power flows around transmission corridors threatened by a series of brush fires in Southern California last week, the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) reported a peak demand record for the third straight day on Wednesday, hitting 44,360 MW.
Sempra Not Worried About Argentina Gas Utility Investments
Argentina’s scrambled economy that has drawn front-page attention from some major U.S. financial news media so far does not worry San Diego-based Sempra Energy, which has significant interest in two natural gas utilities.
E&Ps Using Hedging to Stabilize Stock Value
With gas prices tumbling fast and fundamentals decidedly bearish, producers have scrambled to lock in the highest wholesale rates available. Among others, Fort Worth-based independent XTO Energy Inc. said last week it has hedged 90% of its production through March 2002 at $4.30/MMBtu and has hedged 200 MMcf/d at $3.72 for the last three quarters of 2002. XTO is one among many independents who have touted their foresight in locking long-term rates when prices were considerably higher.