OREANDA-NEWS. US NGL production remained steady last March despite declines in rig counts during the period, according to the Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Monthly Energy Review.

US NGL production from gas processing averaged 3.586mn b/d in March, in line with February but up 12.7pc from year-ago levels, according to the EIA. At the same time, the number of oil drilling rigs fell by 46 and gas drilling units fell by nine units between February and March.

The data highlights the length in US NGL supplies even as energy prices weaken and exports remain steady.

Overall LPG consumption stood at 2.338mn b/d in March, down 301,000 b/d from the month prior and slightly lower than a year ago. The US consumed 1.08mn b/d of propane in March, down 474,000 b/d from February and down 9.2pc from year-ago levels, because of mild weather.

Propane imports totaled 101,000 b/d in March, seasonally lower than the prior month and down 23pc from last year.