(by Rye Druzin, www.pipe-logix.com) Us line pipe prices fell by 2.4% in March, marking increased declines compared to the prior month. Domestic prices fell by 2% and import prices dropped by 2.9%. This is the 22nd consecutive month of overall price decreases. The domestic all sizes ER average price fell by 2.1% to $1,859/short ton (st), while the all sizes seamless average price fell by 2% to $3,601/st. The import all sizes ERW average price declined by 1.6% to $1,479/st, while the all sizes seamless average price, which dropped by 3.6% to $2,730/st. Distributor’s sentiment increased by five points in March to 52, the first positive reading since December. The price outlook jumped by 21 points to 46, still indicating a negative sentiment below a neutral reading of 50 but a sharp reversal from February. Oil prices rose by 3.7% in February compared to the prior month, while natural gas prices dropped by 34%. Hot-rolled coil (HRC) prices dropped by 19% sequentially in February. The average North American drilling rig count for February rose by two to 622 compared to the prior month.