Destination unknown for northeast US NGLs
A shale gas boom is creating a surfeit of liquids. The race is on to expand NGL infrastructure and find markets for ethane and propane
A major contributor to the US shale gas boom, the prolific Marcellus/Utica play, appears still far from reaching its full potential, as demand and logistical constraints hobble natural gas liquids expansion. The region, which produces nearly 30% of total US natural gas output, has seen gas production increase to just over 27bn cubic feet a day, from only about 1.7bn cf/d in early 2010, according to the latest figures from the US Energy Information Administration. With soaring gas production has come soaring NGL output, as much of the Marcellus/Utica play, which lies under New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia in the US Northeast, is wet gas. According to the US Department of Energy,
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
