U.S. net imports of natural gas into the United States fell 14% in 2013, continuing a decline that began in 2007, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report.
Robust natural gas production in the United States likely displaced imports, which decreased by 8% in 2013 to 2,883 Bcf.
Based on preliminary data for 2013, domestic dry natural gas production increased by 1% to 24,282 billion cubic feet (Bcf), a new record, EIA said.
Abundant production of natural gas helped reduce U.S. reliance on foreign natural gas and helped maintain a high price differential between domestic and foreign markets outside of North America, increasing interest in the potential export of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Net Imports
Natural gas net imports fell by 14% to 1,311 Bcf in 2013, the lowest level since 1989.
Imports
Natural gas imports decreased by 8% in 2013 to 2,883 Bcf, the lowest level since 1995.