Natural Gas

Current Issues & Trends


Past Issues & Trends

Four countries added to global shale oil and natural gas resource assessment December 14, 2015

internationalshale

Natural gas inventories post first net withdrawal of the season December 3, 2015

weatherinventories/stocksstorage

U.S. oil and natural gas reserves both increase in 2014 November 30, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsreservesshale

Australian liquefaction capacity continues to expand November 19, 2015

exports/importsLNG (liquefied natural gas)capacityAustralia

New classifications of natural gas storage regions will begin November 19 November 16, 2015

storage

North Dakota natural gas flaring targets challenged by rapid production growth November 13, 2015

production/supplycrude oilstatesNorth DakotaBakken

Working natural gas in storage breaks record November 12, 2015

inventories/stocksstorage

Working natural gas in storage matches record level November 6, 2015

weatherinventories/stocksstorage

Increasing U.S. natural gas pipeline exports to Mexico begin to gradually displace LNG October 22, 2015

exports/importsLNG (liquefied natural gas)Mexico

National Fuel Gas adds new gas flows out of Marcellus/Utica this week October 15, 2015

pipelinestransportationMarcellusPennsylvaniaUtica

Natural gas pipelines under construction will move gas from Azerbaijan to southern Europe October 14, 2015

internationalpipelines

Natural gas heating bills expected to be lower this winter October 8, 2015

pricesforecasts/projectionsstorage

Nationwide, electricity generation from coal falls while natural gas rises October 7, 2015

electricitygenerationcoal

Household heating costs are expected to be lower than previous two winters October 6, 2015

exports/importspriceselectricityforecasts/projectionsweatherSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)salesHGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)propaneheating oilrevenue

Hurricane Joaquin may cause problems for East Coast energy infrastructure October 2, 2015

weathertransmissiondisruptionrefineriesdistribution

Natural gas prices in Asia mainly linked to crude oil, but use of spot indexes increases September 29, 2015

liquid fuelspricescrude oilinternationalChinaIndiaJapanSouth Korea

Russian and Norwegian natural gas pipeline exports to Europe increase over the summer amid lower prices September 24, 2015

exports/importspipelinesEuropeRussiaNorway

U.S. propane inventories are at an all-time high September 21, 2015

liquid fuelsforecasts/projectionsSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)inventories/stocksHGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)propaneNGL (natural gas liquids)

Nuclear power refueling over next few months may increase power sector gas consumption September 17, 2015

exports/importsgenerating capacitynuclearoutages

Natural gas use features two seasonal peaks per year September 11, 2015

exports/importselectricityweatherresidentialindustrialcommercial

Reduced offshore share in U.S. oil and natural gas production lowers risk from hurricanes August 28, 2015

liquid fuelsproduction/supplycrude oilweatherGulf Coastoffshore

Northeast production sets record high on Monday August 27, 2015

production/supplyshaleMarcellusUtica

EIA expects near-term decline in natural gas production in major shale regions August 26, 2015

production/supplyshale

Jamaica inks contract to get LNG from Florida August 20, 2015

generating capacityLNG (liquefied natural gas)

Injections of natural gas into storage since April are 20% higher than the five-year average (2010-14), but trail last year's record-high levels August 6, 2015

weatherinventories/stocksstorageshale

Russia is world's largest producer of crude oil and lease condensate August 6, 2015

exports/importsliquid fuelsproduction/supplycrude oilRussia

Algeria is reforming its laws to attract foreign investment in hydrocarbons August 4, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsinternationalshaleAfrica

Coal, nuclear, and renewables expected to boost Vietnam’s electricity capacity August 3, 2015

electricityinternationalcoalrenewablesnuclear

Electricity from natural gas surpasses coal for first time, but just for one month July 31, 2015

electricitygenerationcoalEPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

Asia Pacific imports of LNG down in 2015 on mild weather, lower demand for power generation July 30, 2015

exports/importsLNG (liquefied natural gas)ChinaJapanSouth Korea

EIA reports show different aspects of U.S. oil production statistics and trends July 30, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supply

New methanol and fertilizer plants to increase already-growing industrial natural gas use July 29, 2015

industrialGulf Coast

Rockies Express Pipeline (REX) nears completion of Zone 3 east-to-west reversal July 27, 2015

pipelines

Natural gas salt-facility storage serves special gas market needs July 27, 2015

electricitygenerationstorageelectric generationGulf Coast

Power-to-gas brings a new focus to the issue of energy storage from renewable sources July 24, 2015

electricitygenerationrenewablesstorage

Sales of Fossil Fuels Produced from Federal and Indian Lands, FY 2003 through FY 2014 July 17, 2015

production/supplycrude oilreservesCongressional & other requestsmost popularrecurringquarterly

Natural gas challenges coal as fuel for power generation July 16, 2015

exports/importspriceselectricity generating fuel mix

EIA now reporting monthly base gas levels in underground natural gas storage July 16, 2015

storage

EIA’s estimates for state crude oil production account for incomplete, lagged data July 10, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplycrude oilTexas

Northeastern trading points set record low prices July 9, 2015

weatherspot prices

Natural gas production continues to grow year-over-year July 2, 2015

pricesproduction/supplyshale

Fossil fuels have made up at least 80% of U.S. fuel mix since 1900 July 2, 2015

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuelselectricityconsumption/demandcoalrenewablesnuclearUnited Stateshydroelectricwood

EIA expands geographic coverage of natural gas production with new data for 10 states July 1, 2015

production/supplystates

Argentina and China lead shale development outside North America in first-half 2015 June 26, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplyinternationalshaleChinaMexico

Oil and natural gas production job declines tend to lag oil price declines June 23, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplyrefining

Eastern U.S. Power Burn Higher This Year June 18, 2015

exports/importsweather

EIA's mapping system highlights energy infrastructure across the United States June 16, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelselectricitycrude oilstorage

Marcellus ethane moves one step closer to Europe with delivery of the first Dragon class liquid gas carrier June 11, 2015

exports/importsLNG (liquefied natural gas)Marcellusethane

Large weekly addition pushes natural gas stocks above five-year average June 4, 2015

production/supplyforecasts/projectionsweatherinventories/stocksstorage

New chemical plants expected to boost industrial natural gas use by 4% in 2015 May 21, 2015

exports/importspricesconsumption/demandshaleindustrial

New chemical plants expected to boost industrial natural gas use by 4% in 2015 May 21, 2015

exports/importspricesconsumption/demandshaleindustrial

EIA launches redesigned International Energy Portal May 21, 2015

internationalcoalrenewables

Net imports of natural gas fall to lowest level since 1987 May 21, 2015

exports/importsinternationalpipelinesLNG (liquefied natural gas)CanadaMexico

EIA launches redesigned International Energy Portal May 19, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsinternationalcoalrenewables

Nonpetroleum share of transportation energy at highest level since 1954 May 18, 2015

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuelselectricitycoaltransportationbiofuelsbiomass

Rig count is down, but 2015 gas production forecast to grow over 2014 levels May 14, 2015

production/supplyrig count

Northwest Europe doubles LNG imports as key prices converge May 7, 2015

exports/importsweatherLNG (liquefied natural gas)spot pricesEurope

April natural gas consumption for Pacific Northwest power generation is triple the year-ago level April 30, 2015

exports/importsgenerating capacityCaliforniaelectricity generating fuel mix

Projections show U.S. becoming a net exporter of natural gas April 28, 2015

exports/imports

Floating LNG regasification is used to meet rising natural gas demand in smaller markets April 27, 2015

internationalLNG (liquefied natural gas)

EIA report highlights top 100 U.S. oil and natural gas fields April 24, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelscrude oilstatesreserves

MATS Rule Takes Effect April 23, 2015

emissionselectricity generating fuel mix

U.S. LNG export terminals on the move towards commercial operations April 16, 2015

exports/importsLNG (liquefied natural gas)

EIA's Annual Energy Outlook will be released later today April 14, 2015

forecasts/projections

Natural gas stocks enter injection season 11% below five-year average April 9, 2015

weatherinventories/stocks

U.S. remained world's largest producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons in 2014 April 7, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelscrude oilinternationalRussiaSaudi Arabia

Pipeline infrastructure key to delivering U.S.-sourced natural gas to meet Mexico’s expanding needs April 2, 2015

exports/importspipelinesMexico

Updated geologic maps provide greater detail for Marcellus formation April 1, 2015

production/supplyMarcellus

Cold temperatures, low prices lead to record-high winter power burn March 26, 2015

exports/importselectricity generating fuel mixweekly

Upstream capital expenditure declined 12% year-over-year in fourth-quarter 2014 March 25, 2015

production/supplycrude oilinternationalBrentfinancial markets

Appalachian Basin infrastructure growth will make Marcellus/Utica gas available to broader market March 19, 2015

production/supplypipelinesshaleMarcellusUtica

Despite decline in rigs, natural gas production forecast to increase March 12, 2015

production/supplyTexasdrillingrig count

Oil price decline leads to lower tax revenues in top oil-producing states March 12, 2015

oil/petroleumpricesstatesTexasNorth DakotaOklahomaAlaskataxes

Scheduled 2015 capacity additions mostly wind and natural gas; retirements mostly coal March 10, 2015

electricitygenerating capacitycoalrenewablesnuclearwindsolarcapacityretirements

Changes in natural gas spot prices may not quickly translate to consumer prices March 9, 2015

prices

Power burn reaches record January and February levels, driven by weather and structural change March 5, 2015

exports/importsconsumption/demandweatherelectric generation

As record setting cold blasts the East, western temperatures warmer than normal February 27, 2015

exports/importsweatherspot prices

Rise in salt cavern storage capacity for natural gas offsets declines in other capacities February 26, 2015

storage

Northeast gas demand hits record high on Monday February 19, 2015

exports/importsconsumption/demandweathercapacity

Working gas inventory just after winter's mid-point near five-year average February 12, 2015

exports/importsproduction/supplyforecasts/projectionsinventories/stocksstorage

Westbound gas flows on Rockies Express make up supply interrupted by rupture February 5, 2015

pipelines

Led by growth in Texas, the Southeast, and Northeast, power burn is headed for a January record January 29, 2015

exports/importsweatherelectric generationcapacity

Growing U.S. HGL production spurs petrochemical industry investment January 29, 2015

production/supplyHGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)propaneNGL (natural gas liquids)ethane

Natural gas prices drop following strong production growth January 28, 2015

pricesproduction/supplystorage

New England, New York prices less volatile this January compared with last year January 22, 2015

exports/importspricesproduction/supplyconsumption/demandpipelinesweatherLNG (liquefied natural gas)

EIA updates Eagle Ford maps to provide greater geologic detail January 21, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsstatesTexasshaleEagle Ford

First cold snap of 2015 increases natural gas demand 23% January 15, 2015

exports/importsproduction/supplyconsumption/demandweatherinventories/stocksspot pricesHenry Hub

Because of cold start, average natural gas spot prices were higher in 2014 January 13, 2015

weatherspot prices

Wholesale power prices increase across the country in 2014 January 12, 2015

priceselectricitycoalinventories/stocksNew EnglandNew York

Presalt oil and natural gas provide an increasing share of Brazil’s production January 9, 2015

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplyinternationalCAB (Country Analysis Brief)Brazil

Vermont Yankee nuclear plant closure could add gas demand January 8, 2015

exports/importsgenerationconsumption/demandgenerating capacitynuclearCaliforniaelectricity generating fuel mixpower plantsNew England

Natural gas storage exceed year-ago levels, and production is higher December 18, 2014

exports/importsproduction/supplyweatherstorage

Higher prices, Marcellus development lead to increase in proved natural gas reserves in 2013 December 11, 2014

pricesreservesshalePennsylvaniaWest VirginiaAlaskaLouisianaGulf of Mexico

November cold snap led to larger- than- average withdrawals from natural gas storage December 4, 2014

weatherinventories/stocksstorage

U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves December 4, 2014

oil/petroleumproduction/supplycrude oilstatesreservesmost popularrecurringexplorationannualresources

U.S. natural gas reserves increase 10% in 2013 to reach a record 354 Tcf December 4, 2014

statesreserves

Number of natural gas customers participating in customer choice programs is increasing December 3, 2014

states

Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids (HGL): Recent Market Trends and Issues November 25, 2014

liquid fuelsNGL (natural gas liquids)

Shale gas provides largest share of U.S. natural gas production in 2013 November 25, 2014

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplystatesTexasshalePennsylvaniaLouisianaArkansas

Boston, New York City winter natural gas prices expected to remain high November 24, 2014

pricesstatespipelinesNew EnglandNew YorkPennsylvania

Mid-November cold spell boosts some natural gas prices in the Northeast November 20, 2014

exports/importsconsumption/demandweatherelectric generation

European residential electricity prices increasing faster than prices in United States November 18, 2014

priceselectricityinternationalresidentialUnited StatesEurope

Natural gas is the dominant heating fuel in colder parts of the country November 14, 2014

weather

Demand ramps up with unseasonably cold weather November 13, 2014

exports/importsconsumption/demandweatherRockies

Increased natural gas production would meet most demand from added LNG exports November 12, 2014

pricesproduction/supplyforecasts/projectionsAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)AEO2014

EIA tracks oil and natural gas production by both surface location and geologic formation November 10, 2014

production/supplyHaynesville

After record injections, natural gas storage levels now within 7% of 5-year average November 7, 2014

electricitygenerationforecasts/projectionsweatherSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)storage

Gas production growth, moderate consumption yield strong storage injections November 6, 2014

production/supplyinventories/stocksstorage

Texas leads nation in growth in oil and natural gas production jobs during 2013 November 5, 2014

oil/petroleumstatesTexasNorth DakotaPennsylvaniaWyomingOklahomaColorado

California: More gas, renewables support high demand, compensate for lost hydro October 30, 2014

consumption/demandrenewablesnuclearCaliforniahydroelectricelectricity generating fuel mixISO (independent system operator)

Effect of Increased Levels of Liquefied Natural Gas Exports on U.S. Energy Markets October 29, 2014

exports/importspricesproduction/supplyAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)pipelinesCongressional & other requestsLNG (liquefied natural gas)AEO2014

Record production, potential for continued storage injections precedes winter season October 23, 2014

exports/importsproduction/supplyweatherstorage

North Dakota aims to reduce natural gas flaring October 20, 2014

statesNorth Dakota

Japan continues to import record volumes of LNG amid delays in nuclear restarts October 16, 2014

exports/importspricesnuclearLNG (liquefied natural gas)Japan

Some Appalachian natural gas spot prices are well below the Henry Hub national benchmark October 15, 2014

pricesstatesMarcellusPennsylvaniaWest VirginiaOhio

Newly released heat content data allow for state-to-state natural gas comparisons October 14, 2014

statesNorth DakotaWest Virginiaethanemethane

Despite higher gas prices, winter heating bills expected to fall October 9, 2014

pricesforecasts/projectionsweather

Lower petrochemical use of propane driven by wider price spread between propane and ethane October 9, 2014

exports/importsliquid fuelspricesHGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)propaneNGL (natural gas liquids)ethane

Less severe weather means lower expected household heating bills this winter October 7, 2014

liquid fuelselectricityforecasts/projectionsweatherSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)HGL (hydrocarbon gas liquid)propaneheating oil

California drought leads to less hydropower, increased natural gas generation October 6, 2014

electricitygenerationstatesweatherCaliforniaelectric generationhydroelectric

New chemical plants expected to boost industrial natural gas demand by 4% in 2015 October 2, 2014

exports/importsTexasshaleindustrialGulf CoastBakkenLouisiana

Natural gas storage injections typically continue beyond the end of October October 1, 2014

storage

Everywhere but Northeast, fewer homes choose natural gas as heating fuel September 25, 2014

exports/importselectricityresidentialRECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey)

Russia looks beyond West Siberia for future oil and natural gas growth September 19, 2014

oil/petroleumliquid fuelscrude oilinternationalRussia

FERC approves New England's 2014-15 winter reliability program, but challenges remain September 18, 2014

exports/importsweatherNew England

Panama Canal expansion will allow transit of larger ships with greater volumes September 17, 2014

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsLNG (liquefied natural gas)

Natural gas storage deficit to five-year average continues to narrow September 12, 2014

forecasts/projectionsSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)inventories/stocksstorage

Marcellus and Utica fields spur Appalachian Basin pipeline development September 11, 2014

pipelinesMarcellus

Natural gas, solar, and wind lead power plant capacity additions in first-half 2014 September 9, 2014

generationstatesgenerating capacitycoalelectric generationwindhydroelectricsolarelectricity generating fuel mixwholesale power

Growth of natural gas design storage capacity slows in 2014 September 4, 2014

statesstorageTexasLouisiana

New England relying more on natural gas along with hydroelectric imports from Canada August 22, 2014

electricitygenerationrenewableselectric generationhydroelectricelectricity generating fuel mixNew Englandtransmissionenergy efficiency

Russia-China deal will supply Siberian natural gas to China’s northern, eastern provinces August 20, 2014

ChinaRussiaCAB (Country Analysis Brief)

Hawaii and U.S. Territories aim to increase fuel diversity with LNG imports August 19, 2014

exports/importspricesstatesLNG (liquefied natural gas)electricity generating fuel mixHawaii

Natural gas serves a small, but growing, portion of China's total energy demand August 18, 2014

exports/importsliquid fuelsinternationalLNG (liquefied natural gas)ChinaCAB (Country Analysis Brief)

Reasons for projected natural gas-fired generation growth vary by region August 15, 2014

electricitygenerationstatesAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)Texaselectric generationAEO2014

India is increasingly dependent on imported fossil fuels as demand continues to rise August 14, 2014

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuelscoalCAB (Country Analysis Brief)India

Ohio's Utica Region now included in EIA's monthly Drilling Productivity Report August 12, 2014

pricesproduction/supplystatespipelinesshaledrillingMarcellusGulf CoastEagle FordOhioUtica

Northeast natural gas spot prices particularly sensitive to temperature swings August 11, 2014

pricesweatherspot prices

U.S. Gas Exports to Mexico Post Record High, with Further Gains Expected August 7, 2014

exports/importsproduction/supplyconsumption/demandpipelinesMexico

Marcellus Region production continues growth August 5, 2014

production/supplystatesshaleMarcellusPennsylvaniaWest Virginiarig count

Bakken fuels North Dakota’s oil production growth August 4, 2014

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplycrude oilstatesreservesNorth DakotaBakken

Metal-based durables manufacturers are fueled by electricity and natural gas August 1, 2014

exports/importselectricityindustrialefficiencymanufacturing

Natural gas injection season continues on pace for record refill July 28, 2014

forecasts/projectionsweatherinventories/stocksstorage

Oil and natural gas resource categories reflect varying degrees of certainty July 17, 2014

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplycrude oilreservesresources

Wyoming, Gulf of Mexico dominate fossil fuels production on federal and Indian lands July 8, 2014

production/supplycrude oilcoalNorth DakotaWyoming

Production of fossil fuels from federal and Indian lands fell in 2013 July 7, 2014

production/supplycrude oilcoalreserves

June marks 50th anniversary of the first commercial liquefied natural gas tanker June 19, 2014

LNG (liquefied natural gas)

First westbound natural gas flows begin on Rockies Express Pipeline June 18, 2014

pipelinesRockies

Record winter withdrawals create summer storage challenges June 17, 2014

production/supplyconsumption/demandweatherinventories/stocksindustrialspot pricesHenry Hub

Projected growth in natural gas-fired generation is influenced by resource availability June 13, 2014

forecasts/projectionsAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)electric generationelectricity generating fuel mixAEO2014

Gulf of Mexico 2014 production shut in by storms seen higher than last year June 12, 2014

oil/petroleumproduction/supplycrude oilweatherreservesGulf Coastdisruption

Power sector CO2 emissions sensitive to policy changes and natural gas supply June 9, 2014

forecasts/projectionsAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)emissionsCO2 (carbon dioxide)electric generationelectricity generating fuel mixAEO2014

NOAA predicts relatively quiet Atlantic hurricane season June 4, 2014

oil/petroleumproduction/supplycrude oilforecasts/projectionsweatherSTEO (Short-Term Energy Outlook)MarcellusBakkendisruption

Mexico's energy ministry projects rapid near-term growth of natural gas imports from U.S. May 29, 2014

exports/importspipelinesMexico

U.S. consumers’ energy spending rose this winter May 21, 2014

liquid fuelselectricityheating oil

Norway supplies more than 20% of Europe’s natural gas needs May 16, 2014

exports/importsproduction/supplyEuropeRussiaUnited KingdomNorwayQatar

Permian Basin drives first-quarter growth in oil-directed horizontal drilling rigs May 15, 2014

oil/petroleumproduction/supplycrude oilstatesreservesTexasdrillingNorth DakotaBakkenEagle Fordrig count

China promotes both fuel efficiency and alternative-fuel vehicles to curb growing oil use May 13, 2014

liquid fuelsconsumption/demandgasolinesalesChina

High value of liquids drives U.S. producers to target wet natural gas resources May 8, 2014

pricesproduction/supplyspot prices

U.S. purity ethane ships to Canada for first time in 25 years May 6, 2014

exports/importspipelinesCanadaethane

Texas and Rockies natural gas mitigates disruption from Wyoming processing plant explosion May 1, 2014

pricesstatespipelinesCaliforniaspot pricesWyoming

Lower U.S. electricity demand growth would reduce fossil fuels’ projected generation share April 30, 2014

generationAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)coalCO2 (carbon dioxide)nuclearsolarAEO2014

Projected CO2 emissions vary with coal and nuclear power plant retirements April 28, 2014

electricitygenerationcoalemissionsCO2 (carbon dioxide)nuclear

Implications of lower natural gas prices on industrial production April 23, 2014

oil/petroleumpricesproduction/supplyAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)industrialAEO2014resources

Potential for liquefied natural gas use as a railroad fuel April 14, 2014

forecasts/projectionsAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)LNG (liquefied natural gas)AEO2014

Net energy imports in 2013 lowest in more than 20 years April 2, 2014

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuels

Energy trade is a key part of overall U.S. trade flows February 24, 2014

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuelsproduction/supplystatesAEO (Annual Energy Outlook)coalUnited StatesAEO2014

State Energy Profiles enhanced and renewables sections added December 19, 2013

exports/importsoil/petroleumproduction/supplyelectricitystatescoalrenewableswindhydroelectricsolaralternative fuelsbiomassgeothermal

Petroleum's share of Florida's electric generation mix dwindles as natural gas grows December 18, 2013

oil/petroleumliquid fuelsgenerationstatesnuclearelectricity generating fuel mixFlorida

Vermont Yankee nuclear plant closure in 2014 will challenge New England energy markets September 6, 2013

electricitygenerationstatesgenerating capacitynuclearNew Englandretirements

EIA projects world energy consumption will increase 56% by 2040 July 25, 2013

forecasts/projectionsinternationalrenewablesemissionsIEO (International Energy Outlook)

Energy sources have changed throughout the history of the United States July 3, 2013

exports/importsoil/petroleumliquid fuelselectricityconsumption/demandcoalnuclearUnited Stateshydroelectricwood