A report published by research group IHS Inc. December 26 noted that the unconventional oil and gas revolutionizing America has prompted further discussion about the natural gas markets.
"Unconventional oil and natural gas activity is now unlocking new domestic sources of supply. Net petroleum imports have fallen from 60% of total consumption in 2005 to 42% today. The decline is due, in part, to moderating energy demand during the slow recovery in the wake of the Great Recession, but greater fuel efficiency in autos and a slowing of the growth in total vehicle miles will continue to constrain the growth of demand." The report also said "A dozen years ago, shale gas production was only 2% of total US natural gas production. Today, it represents 37%. This burgeoning supply, and its impact on market prices, is a significant factor supporting a manufacturing renaissance. It is also prompting a national discourse about wider markets for natural gas."
