The drop in prices correlates with unusually high temperatures in the Northeast.

If we don't have a particularly cold winter, we won't see prices rise dramatically.

Speculators pushed the prices beyond even the most bullish estimates, because they exaggerated (supply shortage fears), but now I think we see the party's over.

Prices have retreated unusually fast and there is still two months left for the thermometer to drop.

Current chilly temperatures in the Northeast U.S. also helped boost prices, although these are not expected to last.

The only option for these companies is to merge and seek yet more job cuts and savings.