U.S. domestic natural gas production in the lower 48 states averaged 65.0 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/day) in January 2014, according to the latest estimates from Bentek Energy, the oil and natural gas analytic unit of Platts. This is down 0.8 Bcf/d or 1.1% from December 2013, but on a year-over-year basis it is up 3.2% from January 2013.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration is due to publish its domestic production estimates for January on or around March 31.   

"The recent and persistent cold in the U.S. Northeast and Midwest regions affected overall production this month, given that wells can freeze during very cold weather," said Jack Weixel, Bentek director of energy analysis. "The deep freeze was particularly noticeable in sample data from the Marcellus shale gas plays. But the annual production gain shows just how resilient domestic natural gas production has become."

For 2013 as a whole, U.S. natural gas production averaged 64.8 Bcf/d, more than 1.2 Bcf/d or 1.9% higher than the 2012 average of 63.6 Bcf/d. 

Bentek data analysis suggests 2014 production will average approximately 68.0 Bcf/d due to a higher overall price environment for producers and continued production growth in liquids-rich basins such as the Eagle Ford, Bakken, Permian and Greater Anadarko, in addition to continued increases in dry production in the Marcellus.

The Bentek data analysis is based on an extensive sample of near real-time production receipt data from the U.S. lower 48 interstate pipeline system. Platts' Bentek production models are highly correlated with and provide an advance glimpse of federal government statistics from the U.S. EIA.

Going forward, Bentek Energy U.S. natural gas production data estimates will be published on the first Tuesday of every month, covering the previous month's output activity.  Bentek's dry gas production estimates are not observed data and are based on pipeline receipt nominations and certain state production data. 

Bentek Energy specializes in energy market analytics and is recognized as an industry leader in natural gas market fundamental analysis and was acquired by Platts in 2011. For more information about natural gas supply and demand fundamentals and Bentek Energy, visit www.bentekenergy.com.   

For more information about natural gas spot price trends, or Platts, a leading global energy, petrochemical and metals information provider, visit the website at www.platts.com.