22 Mar, 2024
LNG Pipeline Receipts: Average natural gas deliveries to U.S. LNG export terminals decreased by 2.8% week over week, averaging 12.9 Bcf/d. In South Louisiana, deliveries decreased by 2.0% to 8.8 Bcf/d. In Texas, deliveries fell by 6.8% to 2.9 Bcf/d. Freeport LNG has been at reduced operation since mid-January, expecting to continue until May. Deliveries to terminals outside the Gulf Coast remained steady at 1.2 Bcf/d. Vessels Departing U.S. Ports: Twenty-one LNG vessels departed the U.S. between March 14 and March 20, with a total capacity of 78 Bcf. Departures included eight from Sabine Pass, four each from Cameron and Corpus Christi, two each from Calcasieu Pass and Cove Point, and one from Freeport. Rig Count: Natural gas rig count increased by 1 to 116 rigs, with Haynesville up by two, Eagle Ford up by one, Marcellus down by one, and a decrease in unidentified regions. Oil-directed rig count rose by 6 to 510 rigs, with Permian up by three, Eagle Ford up by two, unidentified regions up by three, and Granite Wash down by two. Total rig count now at 629, including 3 miscellaneous rigs, 125 fewer than the same time last year. Natural Gas Storage: Net injections into storage were 7 Bcf for the week, against a five-year average net withdrawal of 42 Bcf and last year’s 68 Bcf withdrawal. Working gas stocks at 2,332 Bcf, 41% above the five-year average and 21% above last year's level. Weekly net change estimates ranged from 6 Bcf withdrawal to 17 Bcf injection, with a median of 3 Bcf injection. Withdrawal rate from storage is 26% lower than the five-year average for the season. If withdrawals match the five-year average, total inventory would reach 2,311 Bcf by March 31, 678 Bcf above the five-year average. Data Source: U.S. EIA Natural Gas Weekly Update for week ending March 6, 2024