2007: GOVERNMENT FORECASTS

Short Term Energy Outlook
December 12, 2006 (Energy Information Administration)
- Highlights

Oil Prices: Production cuts by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that began in November, combined with the recent erosion in surplus U.S. product inventories and the expected increase in petroleum demand during the winter heating season drove spot prices for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil spot prices above $60 per barrel in the last week of November. OPEC oil production is expected to be reduced by about 0.8 million barrels per day (bbl/d) in November and December. WTI crude oil prices are projected to average about $66 per barrel in 2006 and $65 per barrel in 2007…

Natural Gas Prices: Due to projected colder weather for the first quarter 2007 compared with the same period in 2006, natural gas spot prices are expected to average $8.58 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) in the first quarter of 2007, about $0.65 per mcf higher than in the first quarter of 2006…Spot Prices are projected to average $7.06 per mcf in 2006 and increase to an average of $7.87 per mcf in 2007.
Household Heating Prices: Average household heating fuel expenditures are projected to be $938 this winter compared to $948 last winter…
- See also: Summaries on Global Petroleum Markets, US Petroleum Markets, US Natural Gas Markets, Electricity and Coal.