Natural gas production in the United States increased in August for the eighth consecutive month, according to new figures from Bentek Energy, an analytics and forecasting unit of Platts.
Average gas production in the lower 48 states in August 2014 was 68.9 billion Bcf/d. That's the highest monthly average on record and 3.9 Bcf/d, or 6%, higher than the average in August 2013.
A one-day record high of 69.4 Bcf/d was reached on August 29, following on a one-day record high of 69.3 Bcf/d a month earlier, on July 30.
Following an analysis of production receipt data, Bentek predicted that output in the whole of 2014 will average approximately 67.9 Bcf/d. This healthy rate of production comes despite an environment of higher prices for producers and continued growth in liquids-rich basins such as the Eagle Ford, Bakken, Permian and Greater Anadarko, as well as further increases in dry production in the Marcellus region.
Commenting on the August figures, Jack Weixel, director of energy analysis at Bentek Energy, said that the United States continues to break natural gas production records "almost on a daily basis."
August had two days that exceeded production records set in July and nine out of the highest 10 producing days on record occurred over the past month, he added.
"What's even more notable is that all this occurred during a month where the market saw substantial pipeline maintenance in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. With this seasonal maintenance behind, a production boon is likely in September," Weixel concluded.
