U.S. Natural Gas Sales Poised to Jump as Demand Rises and Global Supplies Remain Tight

Leading North American natural gas marketers reported lower overall sales volumes for the second quarter in a continuation of a trend of year/year declines in the wake of production cuts imposed in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Still, there were several bright spots that suggest momentum is building.

The 25 gas marketers included in the latest NGI Top North American Natural Gas Marketers rankings reported combined sales transactions of 109.85 Bcf/d for 2Q2021, down 4% from 114.07 Bcf/d in 2Q2020. It marked the third consecutive year/year decline.

The collective drop was driven in large part by declines near the top. Perennial No. 1 BP plc dropped 19% year/year, while No. 4 Macquarie Energy fell 17% and No. 5 Shell Energy NA declined 13%.

However, half of the top 10...