Form 8-K re Operations of Seneca as a result of Hurricane Katrina 09-02-05

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 2, 2005

NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           New Jersey
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation)
               1-3880
(Commission File Number)
    13-1086010
(IRS Employer or
Identification No.)

  6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
 14221
(Zip Code)
     
  Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (716) 857-7000

        Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

  [  ]    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

  [  ]    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

  [  ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

  [  ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure

        National Fuel Gas Company (the “Company”) today announces the initial operational findings of its exploration and production subsidiary, Seneca Resources Corporation (“Seneca”), in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. An aerial survey of Seneca’s operations in the Gulf of Mexico, conducted on August 30, 2005, revealed no visible structural damage on any of Seneca’s platforms. The majority of Seneca’s platforms in the Gulf were shut-in during the hurricane. Most of the shut-in operations have now resumed.

        Seneca’s fiscal 2005 production guidance of 50-55 Bcfe had anticipated certain shut-ins from hurricanes in the Gulf. At this time, Seneca continues to anticipate production of 12-14 Bcfe for the quarter ending September 30, 2005, which, when combined with the approximate 40 Bcfe of production for the nine months ended June 30, 2005, narrows the anticipated range for fiscal 2005 to 52-54 Bcfe.*

        Certain statements contained herein, including statements designated with an asterisk (“*”) and statements identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” and similar expressions, are “forward-looking statements” as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. There is no assurance that the Company’s projections will in fact be achieved nor do these projections reflect any acquisitions or divestitures that may occur during fiscal 2005. While the Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statement. Furthermore, each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update the statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition to other factors, the following are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements: changes in economic conditions, including economic disruptions caused by terrorist activities or acts of war; changes in weather conditions, including the occurrence of severe weather; significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures and operating expenses and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs; uncertainty of oil and gas reserve estimates; ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves; significant changes from expectations in the Company’s actual production levels for natural gas or oil; regarding foreign operations, changes in trade and monetary policies, inflation and exchange rates, taxes, operating conditions, laws and regulations related to foreign operations, and political and governmental changes; or significant changes in the Company’s relationship with its employees or contractors and the potential adverse effects if labor disputes, grievances or shortages were to occur. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.


SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY


By: /s/   R. J. Tanski
       R. J. Tanski
       Treasurer