Lightning Strike Sparks Columbia Gulf Pipeline Fire and Natural Gas Futures Rally

Natural gas futures surged after reports of volumes being shut in at a Columbia Gulf compressor station in Mississippi following a lightning strike. Columbia Gulf said it had reduced to zero all volumes through its Corinth Compressor Station in Mississippi because of a fire “resulting from a suspected lightning strike during severe storms in the area early Friday morning.” The operator said it anticipated an impact to firm service transportation of 400,000 Dth for that part of its system.