Dow Chemical has gotten a lot of press about their position against “unfettered” LNG exports from the US. The chemical giant fears its competitively cheap natural gas feedstock advantage could erode if US gas were exported in volumes that cut into domestic supply, creating scarcity relative to demand for things like petrochemicals, plastics and other gas-intensive industries, which would be bad for the US economy.

On the surface, the argument – based on basic supply/demand functions – appears straightforward and valid. However, journalist and author Steve LeVine recently challenged this argument at an industry event saying:

“The hole in Dow’s argument is that they are selling end products at the same price and keeping all the profit.”

If Dow were really concerned with US economic health, they could lower the prices Americans pay for their products. Realistic? Certainly not, but good to remember that at the end of the day Dow’s allegiance lies more with its shareholders than the general public.