Average spot natural gas prices in key regional markets, which reflect the wholesale price of natural gas at major trading points, declined about 38% to 49% during the first half (January 1 to June 30) of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, according to EIA.
Natural gas spot prices at the Henry Hub—a key benchmark and major trading location—averaged about $2.36 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) during the first half of 2012. Rising production, record end-of-winter storage inventories, and mild weather contributed to spot natural gas prices nearing their lowest levels in a decade until prices rebounded at most trading points to the high $2/MMBtu range by the end of June.
Specific factors contributing to lower average spot natural gas prices during the first half of 2012 include:
[mappress] LNG World News Staff, August 10, 2012; Image: EIA