Insufficient pipeline capacity has actually been a long-term problem that has dogged Permian Basin gas producers for years. The choke points worsen when pipeline operators must perform repairs and preventative maintenance work that forces temporary reduction in pressure or halts to shipping. 

Permian pipeline constraints “have never been relieved,” making the region more susceptible to sudden gluts and price volatility, said Campbell Faulkner, chief data analyst at OTC Global Holdings LP.

Eoin Treacy's view

The world is not running out of natural gas. What we are dealing with at present is a supply bottleneck. These kinds of problem can be solved. It would be a lot worse if there was a genuine shortage of global natural gas supply. However, to bring prices back to acceptable levels significant investment in pipeline, LNG import and export facilities, and shipping will be required.


European gas prices continue to trend lower but is very oversold and US prices bounced today from the short-term oversold condition.

The Alerian MLP ETF is testing the upper side of its range.

Cheniere Energy is still in a medium-term uptrend but is somewhat overextended in the short term.

Excelerate Energy paused today following last week’s strength and will require European gas prices to turn higher to reignite interest.