Stabilizing

Canadian natural gas exports to the United States are stabilizing at reduced levels after four lean years of decline, show trade records of the National Energy Board (NEB).

Canadian natural gas exports to the United States are stabilizing at reduced levels after four lean years of decline, show trade records of the National Energy Board (NEB).

U.S. natural gas production decreased a modest 0.2% sequentially in the first quarter from the final three months of 2006, suggesting that gas supplies are stabilizing, according to a survey by energy analysts. U.S.-based independents also appear to be are bulking up their capital budgets, with their eyes on more exploration and possible acquisitions.

U.S. natural gas production decreased a modest 0.2% sequentially in the first quarter from the final three months of 2006, suggesting that gas supplies are stabilizing, according to a survey by energy analysts with SunTrust Robinson Humphrey/the Gerdes Group.

With natural gas futures prices stabilizing in the $7-8/MMBtu region and crude futures hovering around $60/bbl, it appears that North American producers are upping their drilling activity to capture profits from the higher prices. According to Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc., the North American count of rigs actively exploring for or developing oil and natural gas during February increased fairly significantly over both January 2007 and February 2006 tallies.

With natural gas futures prices stabilizing in the $7-8/MMBtu region and crude futures hovering around $60/bbl, it appears that North American producers are upping their drilling activity to capture profits from the higher prices. According to Houston-based Baker Hughes Inc., the North American count of rigs actively exploring for or developing oil and natural gas during February increased fairly significantly over both January 2007 and February 2006 tallies.

Taking yet another step in stabilizing the company’s financials through the divestiture of assets, CMS Energy Corp.’s pipeline subsidiary, CMS Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co., said it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its one-third equity interest in Centennial Pipeline LLC to Centennial’s two other partners for $40 million.

Taking yet another step in stabilizing the company’s financials through the divestiture of assets, CMS Energy Corp.’s pipeline subsidiary, CMS Panhandle Eastern Pipe Line Co., said it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its one-third equity interest in Centennial Pipeline LLC to Centennial’s two other partners for $40 million.

After stabilizing within a tight, 10-cent trading range for thepast week, natural gas futures finally broke to the upsideWednesday amid a post AGA buying surge. May received the largestboost of any month, rallying 7.2 cents to post its first $3.00-plus settlement at $3.021. According to the American GasAssociation 2 Bcf was injected into underground storage facilitieslast week, bringing the total to 1,033, or 31% full. “Its alwaysdifficult to predict the way the market will react to the firstinjection of the season,” a Chicago trader said. “Expectationscalled for net change of plus or minus 10 Bcf and that’s what wegot. If you ask me, I am a little surprised by the market’sreaction,” he said.