Industry meeting heavy demand for winter fuels
To prevent a recurrence of the fuel shortages of the 1976-77 heating season, suppliers of natural gas and fuel oil began the 1977-78 winter with full storage. According to the American Petroleum Institute, fuel-oil stocks were 22% higher at the beginning of the 1977-78 heating season than at the beginning of the 1976-77 season. U.S. industries purchased their winter fuel oil earlier than usual, and since much fuel oil is coming from secondary stocks, more is being burned now than is indicated by current demand figures. Late-season buying spurred by cold weather and the coal strike, however, seems to have solved an early-season fuel oil oversupply problem, thereby providing space for summer-season gasoline stocks. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas pipeline companies had 8.3% more working gas in underground storage in Oct. 1977 than in Oct. 1976, and gas-curtailment rates during the 1977-78 season should average about the same as in the 1976-77 season. Also, gas industry customers were better prepared for the curtailments caused by the larger-than-expected demand increases that occurred this year. Tables and graphs.
- OSTI ID:
- 5796747
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 76:12; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Availability of alternate petroleum fuels to offset natural gas curtailments for the 1978--1979 heating season (November 1--March 31)
U. S. natural-gas supply seen adequate for winter
Related Subjects
030600* -- Natural Gas-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUEL OILS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
INDUSTRY
LIQUID FUELS
LIQUIDS
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
NATURAL GAS LIQUIDS
OILS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
STORAGE FACILITIES
SUPPLY AND DEMAND