While crude oil prices have lost more than $8 per barrel in the week following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, natural gas liquids (NGL) prices have remained relatively firm.

For the week of March 9, the largest loss in value was for C5+, which fell 4% at both Mont Belvieu and Conway. This was anticipated, considering its close relationship with crude. Crude oil prices fell due to an expected decrease in demand from Japan.

“Barring a major economic slowdown, the U.S. petrochemical industry may become a key player in ...