| Energy experts across the world share the belief that | | | | sectors. |
| natural gas is most likely to displace gasoline in the | | | | The wholesale price of natural gas in the US during the |
| future, since natural gas is a cleaner and a more | | | | 1990s was about $2 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). |
| efficient fuel than gasoline. Moreover, with oil supplies | | | | This price, according to the U.S. Energy Information |
| getting smaller with each passing day, natural gas | | | | Administration, is predicted to reach $9 per Mcf during |
| would perhaps be the only option left for meeting all | | | | the current 2005-2006 winter seasons. |
| energy needs. Not surprising, natural gas today is | | | | Natural gas prices seem to be affected the most by |
| experiencing rising popularity in the US, Asia and | | | | weather conditions. This sensitivity to weather is |
| Europe. Another crucial factor that is driving the | | | | evident during winters, when people tend to use more |
| popularity of natural gas is the concern that oil supplies | | | | gas for generating heat. During summers there is an |
| are getting exhausted very fast.simple supply and | | | | increased demand for cooling, which translates to a |
| demand model dictates natural gas prices. As supplies | | | | higher demand for electricity to power air-conditioning |
| become scarce and demand picks up, the price of | | | | units. |
| natural gas increases. Consequently, natural gas price | | | | Analysts who have observed the trends in natural gas |
| treads an extremely tight balance between supply and | | | | prices in recent years are of the opinion that natural |
| demand in its endeavor to meet increasing demand | | | | gas as a fuel option is a disaster waiting to happen. |
| from homeowners, businesses, factories, schools and | | | | The analysis is not without reason. It is now clear, from |
| power-generation plants. Today, natural gas meets | | | | recent happenings that a few months of inclement |
| about one-fourth of the total energy needs of the US, | | | | weather can result in severe shortages and |
| and is considered the backbone of the manufacturing, | | | | skyrocketing prices. And worst, there is little supply side |
| steel, glass, chemicals, automobiles, food and industrial | | | | solution. |