US Industry Metrics

Prior to 2013, ethane prices trended higher than natural gas prices. However, from 2013–2016, when ethane supply exceeded demand, ethane spot prices were generally lower than Henry Hub gas spot prices. Since mid-2017, ethane prices have been higher than natural gas prices as domestic and foreign demand for US ethane has increased. US ethane demand growth has accelerated as new and expanded ethylene crackers began operations in early 2018. Meanwhile, ethane exports averaged more than 280,000 bpd in May 2018, a year-on-year increase of 48%. GP

US gas production (Bft3d) and prices ($/Mft3)

 

US natural gas spot prices at Henry Hub and NGL spot prices at Mont Belvieu, $/MMBtu

 

US natural gas plant field production of NGL, LPG, ethane and propane, Mbpd