Haynesville Shale output leads U.S. in May

Published Jul 24, 2012 at 10:00 am (Updated Jul 24, 2012)

According to new data out from the U.S Energy Department, natural gas output along the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and Texas dipped in May, but the area was still producing the highest daily output among all American shale formations. The Haynesville Shale's average output in May was 6.92 billion cubic feet a day. That's down from 6.93 bcf in April, but up from 6.43 bcf in May 2011, according to a Bloomberg report on the data. But output in the Marcellus Shale in the Northeastern U.S. appears to be poised to soon outpace the Haynesville. Output along the Marcellus averaged 6.85 bcf a day in May, up 6.4% from the previous month—and more than double the 3.37 bcf daily output recorded in May 2011. Natural-gas production from all American shale formations rose in May on increased supplies from the Marcellus, even after prices fell to a 10-year low during the month. Total output from shale formations in the continental U.S. averaged 25.58 bcf in May—24% higher than a year earlier and up 1.7% from April, according to slides that accompany a presentation the department will make to Congress on Aug. 1. Shale production nationwide has increased 5.7% this year. Get the full story here.