The push for energy efficiency and alternative fuel development over the past five years has taken a major step backwards over the past six months as oil prices fall to new lows. Super-cheap crude has taken away companies’ incentive to invest in alternative options, something that has put natural gas companies and biofuel firms on the list of businesses feeling the pinch.
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Small firms like Arizona Biodiesel and Blue Ridge Biofuels that convert used restaurant oil into usable fuel have been forced to cut prices in order to remain competitive. With gas stations posting record low prices, consumers are becoming less and less likely to worry about their carbon footprint.Ethanol Producers Hit
Ethanol producers are likely to feel the pressure of dropping prices this year too, as corn prices recover and demand continues to slacken. Last year, shares of Archer-Daniels Midland Company ADM gained more than 16 percent, since the company was able to produce the ethanol with relatively low margins. But persistent price pressure coupled with increasing margins will likely cut into profits this year.Natural Gas Companies Hit
Natural gas companies are also feeling the squeeze this year as their customers aren’t seeing the same cost savings for swapping out diesel. Shares of Cheniere Energy, Inc. LNG have lost 3.36 percent over the past six months, as shipping companies are reluctant to pay a premium for trucks that use natural gas when diesel prices are only marginally higher. A lack of natural gas demand will also hurt KBR, Inc. KBR, as the company produces the industrial equipment used at natural gas plants.© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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