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