Canada importing more U.S. natural gas

OTTAWA, March 16 (UPI) -- Canada imported more natural gas from the United States in January, with much of that moving into Ontario, the government said.

The National Energy Board of Canada announced that around 85.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas was imported from the United States in January, up from 78.4 bcf the previous month.

About 85 percent of the natural gas imported from the United States into Canada flows through Ontario hubs, the NEB said.

The U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration said "significant increases" in natural gas production in the United States means there's not much demand for Canadian natural gas. Imports of natural gas into the United States declined in 2011.

The EIA said Canada is the "most significant" source of energy imports into the United States. The country ranks No. 3 in terms of natural gas production and exports.

The United States recently passed Russia to become the top natural gas producer in the world.