(by Kurt Minnich, www.pipe-logix.com) Line pipe prices decreased 3.4% in December with domestic prices down 2.8% and import prices down 4.2%.  This is the 7th consecutive month of price decreases.  Distributors sentiment was down in December with the NASPD Index at 44.  Pricing expectations, as a component of sentiment, scored 18.  Line pipe supply is estimated to have been flat in November at 139,100 tons, according to preliminary DOC data.  Oil prices were down by 9.7% in December compared to the prior month, while natural gas prices rose by 4.2%.  HRC prices were up by 3.3% and the rig count was flat at 780.  Details are in the report.