Shaun Polczer, CALGARY: North American producers have, since the collapse in Henry Hub prices, relied on higher-value liquids to offset low natural gas prices, but the hedge is ending.
Prices for ethane and propane fell 48% and 32%, respectively, in 2012, data released by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows, placing further stress on the already difficult economics of unconventional natural gas.
Spot ethane prices hit an all-time low of $0.22.5 per gallon in December 2012, compared with $0.78/g at this time last year. Propane has fallen to $0.80/g from $1.39/g in the same period. Prices...