Thinking

Natural gas enthusiasts can be forgiven for thinking the shale revolution is unstoppable. North America now has more gas underfoot than anyone could have imagined a few short years ago. But that doesn’t mean shale gas and its fans are without challenges.

February natural gas futures fell Tuesday as traders factored in a moderate weakening of forecasts calling for near-term cold. Present thinking is that this week’s inventory report is likely to show a huge withdrawal, upwards of 250 Bcf, and any moderation in the weather outlook was thus seen as a reason to temper bullishness. At the close February futures shed 5.5 cents to $4.425 and March eased 4.4 cents to $4.446. February crude oil lost 16 cents to $91.38/bbl.

Ohio will devote time and effort to take part in the Marcellus Shale drilling boom, Gov.-elect John Kasich said last week.

Sponsors of Canada’s proposed first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal are thinking big.

Sponsors of Canada’s proposed first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal are thinking big.

In natural gas, Texans have no monopoly on thinking big. When prices make a comeback Canadians — including affiliates of international producers with high profiles in the Lone Star State — say they will be ready to launch the next generation of supplies on a scale deserving to rate as large by any standard.

In natural gas, Texans have no monopoly on thinking big. When prices make a comeback Canadians — including affiliates of international producers with high profiles in the Lone Star State — say they will be ready to launch the next generation of supplies on a scale deserving to rate as large by any standard.

Oil and gas industry executives have all duly noted the change in Washington’s thinking on global warming and greenhouse gases, but at least some are still in denial of what’s to come. Those who think “all this renewable energy stuff is nonsense” are in for a rude awakening, an oil and gas industry researcher told NGI.

Oil and gas industry executives have all duly noted the change in Washington’s thinking on global warming and greenhouse gases, but at least some are still in denial of what’s to come. Those who think “all this renewable energy stuff is nonsense” are in for a rude awakening, an oil and gas industry researcher told NGI.