Natural Gas Overview
Natural Gas Overview
Natural gas is a major energy source for the United States; about 25% of energy used in the United States came from natural gas in 2009. It is used to produce steel, glass, paper, clothing, brick, electricity and as an essential raw material for many common products. Some products that use natural gas as a raw material are: paints, fertilizer, plastics, antifreeze, dyes, photographic film, medicines, and explosives. Slightly more than half of the homes in the United States use natural gas as their main heating fuel. Homes also use natural gas to fuel stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, and other household appliances.
Macro Factors
Natural gas prices are a function of market supply and demand. In general we have seen lower price levels dues to our increased domestic production in recent years. However, each winter it seems as though there are time when the ‘weather’ can be the cause of volatility and uncertain…both of which can be avoided.