Natural gas prices burn U.S.manufacturers

摘要

High natural gas prices are beginning to impact U.S.manufacturers,leading to salary freezes and lost market share,according to the results of a recent survey by the National Assn.of Manufacturers(NAM).Nearly 45% of those surveyed said they would be forced to lay off workers or impose wage reductions.About 22% of respondents said their companies would cut healthcare or other benefits.About two-thirds of respondents said natural gas is their primary energy source,while about 15% cited oil,and 3% cited coal.