impact of high natural gas prices on the us nitrogen industry december 13 2005 fact sheet is primary feedstock used in production fertilizers price has risen from an average approximately 2 50 per mmbtu during late 1990s to a current over cost put producers at competitive disadvantage since 1999 almost 40 fertilizer capacity been forced permanently close with reduction imports now account for half total supply recent run up down u s its lowest level 20 years combined resulted dramatic increase farmers 0 3 6 9 12 15 j02 j o j03 j04 j05 january 2002 monthly henry hub daily source 100 200 300
