Commodity / Natural Gas Liquids

Exploring the Natural Gas Liquids Market

A closer look into Ethane, Propane, Butane, and their roles in fuels and petrochemical processes.

Market Dynamics

Supply & Demand

Regional Markets

Future Trends

OVERVIEW

Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) are hydrocarbons found in natural gas and are separated from the gas during processing. These NGLs include ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, and natural gasoline (pentane), and they each trade in their own distinct market. NGLs are crucial in various industries due to their diverse applications, ranging from fuel sources to key inputs in petrochemical processes.

Butane

(Normal Butane & Isobutane)
Butane has diverse applications, including as a gasoline blend stock, in the production of petrochemicals, and as a refrigerant. Normal butane and isobutane are separated from natural gas and crude oil refining.

Significant production regions include the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Propane

Propane is used for residential and commercial heating and cooking and as a fuel for engines and industrial processes. It is also a crucial feedstock for petrochemical production because of how efficiently it can be converted (cracked) into mostly propylene but also ethylene and butylene. Propane is extracted from both natural gas processing and crude oil refining.

Key production areas include the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.

Ethane

Ethane is primarily used as a feedstock in the petrochemical industry to produce ethylene, a key component in the manufacturing of plastics, antifreeze, and detergents. It is separated from natural gas through a process called cryogenic distillation at processing plants near the oil or gas well that produced it.

The U.S. is the largest producer of ethane in the world, boasting not only vast gas reserves and production but also the infrastructure to process, transport, & convert ethane into useful products.

Have questions about the natural gas liquid markets?

Ask our team

SHAPING THE NGLs LANDSCAPE

Shale Gas Revolution

Advances in shale gas extraction have led to a surge in NGL production, particularly in North America, influencing global supply dynamics.

Growing Global Demand

Increasing industrialization and urbanization, especially in emerging markets, are driving higher demand for NGLs. Supply of lower-cost NGLs from the United States has somewhat moved the petrochemical industry away from heavier feedstocks such as naphtha and gasoil.

Technological Advancements

Innovations in extraction, processing, and transportation are enhancing the efficiency and reach of NGL supply chains.

Market Volatility

Price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas directly impact NGL markets, affecting industries reliant on stable NGL prices. Natural gas price volatility mostly affects ethane, while oil-related prices affect propane and butane more directly.

Industries affectd by NGL price volatility

Petrochemical

Uses ethane, propane, and butane as feedstocks for producing plastics and other chemicals.

Residential & Commercial Heating

Relies heavily on propane for heating, especially in rural areas.

Transportation

Uses propane for crop drying and heating in greenhouses.

Agriculture

Utilizes butane in gasoline blending to enhance fuel properties.

Export Markets

Variations in NGL prices impact global trade, affecting economies reliant on NGL exports.

Market Dynamics

The pricing of NGLs is influenced by several factors.

PRICING FACTORS

Crude Oil Prices

Since NGLs are by-products of oil and gas production and because substitutes are related to oil and refined products, propane, butane, and natural gasoline prices are closely linked to crude oil prices.

Natural Gas Prices

The availability and cost of natural gas can impact NGLs supply and pricing, especially ethane.

Seasonal Demand

Heating demand in winter increases propane prices. Butane is affected year-round by gasoline demand, either in the winter when it is used as a blending material or as a feedstock in the creation of high-octane fuels at refineries.

Mont Belvieu Ethane and NG MMBtu Values

Supply and Demand Factors

Production Trends: Advances in shale gas extraction have boosted NGL production, particularly in North America.

Consumption Patterns: Growing demand in the petrochemical sector drives ethane and propane consumption.

Export Dynamics: Changes in global demand, particularly in Asia, affect NGL export volumes and pricing. Overseas market demand continues to drive the need for more NGLs from the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Propane and propylene products supplied demand

Butane

Gasoline Blending

Regulatory requirements for fuel formulations significantly impact butane demand.

Petrochemical Feedstock

Butane is used in producing chemicals like butadiene and synthetic rubber.

Seasonal Variations

Butane serves as a gasoline blend stock during winter and is also influenced by propane pricing, which tends to be most volatile in winter.

Propane

Heating Demand

Residential and commercial heating needs, particularly in winter, significantly impact propane prices.

Agricultral Use

Seasonal agricultural activities, such as crop drying, affect propane demand.

Export Trends

Rising global demand for propane, especially in developing countries, influences market prices.

Ethane

Petrochemical Demand

Ethane demand is driven by the need for ethylene in producing plastics and chemicals.

Infrastructure

Adequate pipeline and processing facilities are crucial for efficient ethane distribution.

Export Markets

The development of ethane export terminals influences global market dynamics.

Regional Market Dynamics

NORTH AMERICA

Shale Gas Boom: The shale gas revolution has significantly increased NGL production, particularly in the United States.

Infrastructure Developments: Investments in pipelines and export terminals enhance market connectivity.

MIDDLE EAST

Major Producers: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading NGL producers with significant export capabilities.

Export Strategies: Focus on expanding market reach in Asia and Europe.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Growing Demand: Industrialization, urbanization, and a move away from burning organic matter, drive increased NGL consumption.

Import Trends: Reliance on imports from North America and the Middle East to meet demand.

EUROPE

Supply Challenges: Limited local production necessitates high import levels.

Regulatory Impacts: Environmental regulations and energy policies influence market dynamics.

Future Trends & Innovations

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Extraction Technologies

Improvements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling boost NGL production.

Processing Innovations

Enhanced processing technologies increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Transportation and Storage

Advances in pipeline technology and storage solutions improve market logistics.

OUTLOOK FOR BUTANE

Blending requirements – Changes in fuel standards will impact butane demand.

Emerging applications – Innovations in the petrochemical industry will make new uses for butane.

Specialty polymers – New polymerization processes are enabling the production of specialty polymers and elastomers from butane. These materials have applications in high-performance products such as medical devices, automotive parts, and consumer electronics.

Eco-friendly refrigerants – Innovations in refrigeration technology are leveraging the properties of isobutane as an environmentally friendly refrigerant. Isobutane is being used in domestic and commercial refrigeration systems due to its low global warming potential (GWP) compared to traditional refrigerants.

Biofuel production – Research into catalytic conversion processes is making it feasible to use butane as a feedstock for producing biofuels. This is particularly relevant in the context of sustainable energy solutions and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels.

OUTLOOK FOR PROPANE

Residential and commercial demand – Continued reliance on propane for heating and cooking.

New applications – Development of propane-powered technologies and appliances.

OUTLOOK FOR ETHANE

Petrochemical growth – Rising demand for ethylene will drive ethane consumption.

New markets – Potential for expanded ethane exports to Asia and Europe.

Need an expert to guide you through the natural gas liquid markets?

Ask our team

Expertise When it Matters

Actionable insights in the energy markets–delivered directly to your inbox for free.

Get instant access

Exploring the Natural Gas Liquids Market

A closer look into Ethane, Propane, Butane, and their roles in fuels and petrochemical processes.

OVERVIEW

Butane

(Normal Butane & Isobutane)Butane has diverse applications, including as a gasoline blend stock, in the production of petrochemicals, and as a refrigerant. Normal butane and isobutane are separated from natural gas and crude oil refining.

Significant production regions include the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.

Propane

Key production areas include the United States, Canada, and the Middle East.

Ethane

The U.S. is the largest producer of ethane in the world, boasting not only vast gas reserves and production but also the infrastructure to process, transport, & convert ethane into useful products.

Have questions about the natural gas liquid markets?

SHAPING THE NGLs LANDSCAPE

Shale Gas Revolution

Growing Global Demand

Technological Advancements

Market Volatility

Industries affectd by NGL price volatility

Petrochemical

Uses ethane, propane, and butane as feedstocks for producing plastics and other chemicals.

Residential & Commercial Heating

Relies heavily on propane for heating, especially in rural areas.

Transportation

Uses propane for crop drying and heating in greenhouses.

Agriculture

Utilizes butane in gasoline blending to enhance fuel properties.

Export Markets

Variations in NGL prices impact global trade, affecting economies reliant on NGL exports.

Market Dynamics

The pricing of NGLs is influenced by several factors.

PRICING FACTORS

Crude Oil Prices

Since NGLs are by-products of oil and gas production and because substitutes are related to oil and refined products, propane, butane, and natural gasoline prices are closely linked to crude oil prices.

Natural Gas Prices

The availability and cost of natural gas can impact NGLs supply and pricing, especially ethane.

Seasonal Demand

Heating demand in winter increases propane prices. Butane is affected year-round by gasoline demand, either in the winter when it is used as a blending material or as a feedstock in the creation of high-octane fuels at refineries.

Supply and Demand Factors

Production Trends: Advances in shale gas extraction have boosted NGL production, particularly in North America.

Consumption Patterns: Growing demand in the petrochemical sector drives ethane and propane consumption.

Export Dynamics: Changes in global demand, particularly in Asia, affect NGL export volumes and pricing. Overseas market demand continues to drive the need for more NGLs from the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Butane

Gasoline Blending

Regulatory requirements for fuel formulations significantly impact butane demand.

Petrochemical Feedstock

Butane is used in producing chemicals like butadiene and synthetic rubber.

Seasonal Variations

Butane serves as a gasoline blend stock during winter and is also influenced by propane pricing, which tends to be most volatile in winter.

Propane

Heating Demand

Residential and commercial heating needs, particularly in winter, significantly impact propane prices.

Agricultral Use

Seasonal agricultural activities, such as crop drying, affect propane demand.

Export Trends

Rising global demand for propane, especially in developing countries, influences market prices.

Ethane

Petrochemical Demand

Ethane demand is driven by the need for ethylene in producing plastics and chemicals.

Infrastructure

Adequate pipeline and processing facilities are crucial for efficient ethane distribution.

Export Markets

The development of ethane export terminals influences global market dynamics.

Regional Market Dynamics

NORTH AMERICA

Shale Gas Boom: The shale gas revolution has significantly increased NGL production, particularly in the United States.

Infrastructure Developments: Investments in pipelines and export terminals enhance market connectivity.

MIDDLE EAST

Major Producers: Countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar are leading NGL producers with significant export capabilities.

Export Strategies: Focus on expanding market reach in Asia and Europe.

ASIA-PACIFIC

Growing Demand: Industrialization, urbanization, and a move away from burning organic matter, drive increased NGL consumption.

Import Trends: Reliance on imports from North America and the Middle East to meet demand.

EUROPE

Supply Challenges: Limited local production necessitates high import levels.

Regulatory Impacts: Environmental regulations and energy policies influence market dynamics.

Future Trends & Innovations

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Improvements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling boost NGL production.

Enhanced processing technologies increase efficiency and reduce costs.

Advances in pipeline technology and storage solutions improve market logistics.

OUTLOOK FOR BUTANE

(Normal Butane & Isobutane)
Butane has diverse applications, including as a gasoline blend stock, in the production of petrochemicals, and as a refrigerant. Normal butane and isobutane are separated from natural gas and crude oil refining.