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