Strategic implications: natural gas fever for US chemicals. (Management).

From: Chemical Market Reporter | Date: April 14, 2003| Author: | Copyright information

The recent run-up in the natural gas price above $9 per mm Btu might as well be called "March Madness." This sequel to the equally memorable and painful January 2001 event seems so irrational that there is a temptation to write it off as an "unusual" event, a nightmarish dream. The chemical industry was under incredible stress in February-March, but with implemented price increases and the expected seasonal decline in natural gas prices, profit margins should begin improving in April-May.

Our research argues that that these gas price spikes (winter of 2000-2001, and current) ...

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