WorldOil

Increasing supply options and stagnant demand spell low gas prices

Our universe of natural gas supply alternatives is growing. When we drill a lot of gas wells, we can usually count on bringing a lot of gas to the wellhead, and 2009 was no exception. Proved gas reserves in the US are estimated to have reached 250 Tcf at year-end 2009, with more to come. The operating word is shale; the adjective, big-time. But shale gas is not without problems that could put the brakes on future growth, such as waste disposal, water quality and other political issues.