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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Will gas become available in spot, futures markets

Journal Article · · Energy User News; (United States)
OSTI ID:5521725

A natural-gas spot market would conceivably operate the same as for crude oil, with 5 to 15% of total supply involved and trends reflected in spot prices. A futures market for gas would operate as a paper market in the same manner as agricultural commodities and metals. Futures market advocates claim it is needed for price discovery, risk management, and speculation. Opponents object to speculators who manipulate the market for large profits, but the process of futures contracts is gaining general acceptance despite the problems associated with delivery. These and other questions arise because gas deregulation introduces the possibility for vertical integration. A gas-storage capability will be essential to a smooth-running futures market. (DCK)

Research Organization:
Energy Information Administration, Washington, DC
OSTI ID:
5521725
Journal Information:
Energy User News; (United States), Journal Name: Energy User News; (United States) Vol. 8:47; ISSN EUSND
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English