NFG National Fuel Gas Co

National Fuel Gas Company (�National Fuel� or the �Company�) (NYSE:NFG) today announced results for the first quarter of its 2009 fiscal year (the quarter ended December 31, 2008).

HIGHLIGHTS

• National Fuel is reporting a loss for the quarter of $42.7 million or $0.53 per share. The loss is due to the previously announced $108.2 million (after tax), non-cash impairment charge to write down the book value of its oil and natural gas producing properties as a result of significantly lower commodity prices at December 31, 2008.
• Quarterly operating results, before items impacting comparability (�Operating Results�) for the quarter were $64.3 million, or $0.80 per share compared to $70.6 million or $0.82 per share for the prior year�s first quarter. The main drivers causing the decrease in Operating Results were lower average crude oil prices realized and lower natural gas production in the Exploration and Production segment during the quarter.
• Production of crude oil and natural gas during the quarter ended December 31, 2008 decreased 1.1 billion cubic feet equivalent (�Bcfe�) compared to the prior year�s first quarter, mainly due to lingering curtailments in the Gulf of Mexico caused by Hurricane Ike. All pre-hurricane production is expected to be back on line by the end of the second quarter. Total forecast production for the entire 2009 fiscal year remains in the previously announced range between 38 and 44 Bcfe.
• The Company is revising its GAAP earnings guidance range for fiscal 2009 to a range of $1.10 to $1.30 per share. This guidance includes the impairment charge ($1.35 per share) noted above, and assumes flat NYMEX equivalent pricing of $5.50 per MMBtu for natural gas and $45.00 per Bbl for crude oil for unhedged production for the remainder of the fiscal year.
• A conference call is scheduled for Friday, February 6, 2009, at 11:00 am Eastern Standard Time.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTS

David F. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Fuel Gas Company stated: �The volatility and turmoil in the financial markets and worldwide economy during the past several months have also affected National Fuel and the energy industry as a whole. The continued decrease in commodity prices since July has had a significant negative impact on our financial results, contributing to the large ceiling test write-down as well as the drop in recurring earnings. While there is little we can do to influence global commodity prices, we are acutely focused on operating our assets in the most effective way possible. In that regard, we�ve seen great success, particularly in our regulated segments, which performed flawlessly in the face of significant weather variations, and which delivered stable and predictable earnings that are in line with our last rate awards.

We�ve long believed in our integrated business model. The value of that model has been particularly evident over the past few quarters. When commodity prices peaked over the summer, we enjoyed record earnings. Even though prices have now cycled lower, we still expect that our operating companies will generate sufficient cash to fund our operations and allow us to comfortably continue our dividend payments. Looking to the future, we expect the overall business environment will continue to be challenging. But, more than ever, we believe that the quality and diversity of our operating results, coupled with our long-standing commitment to fiscal discipline, position us to capitalize on future opportunities.�

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

National Fuel had a consolidated loss for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 of $42.7 million, or $0.53 per share, compared to the prior year�s first quarter earnings of $70.6 million or $0.82 per share. (note: all references to earnings per share are to diluted earnings per share, all amounts are stated in U.S. dollars, and all amounts used in the earnings and Operating Results discussions are after tax unless otherwise noted).

� Three Months Ended December 31, 2008 � 2007 (in thousands except per share amounts) Reported GAAP earnings $ (42,678 ) $ 70,604 Items impacting comparability1: � Impairment of oil and gas producing properties 108,207 Impairment of investment in partnership 1,085 Gain on life insurance proceeds (2,312 ) � � Operating Results $ 64,302 � $ 70,604 � Reported GAAP earnings per share $ (0.53 ) $ 0.82 Items impacting comparability1: � Impairment of oil and gas producing properties 1.35 Impairment of investment in partnership 0.01 Gain on life insurance proceeds (0.03 ) � � Operating Results $ 0.80 � $ 0.82 �

1 See discussion of these items below.

As outlined in the table above, certain items included in GAAP earnings impacted the comparability of the Company�s financial results when comparing the first quarters of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008. Excluding these items, Operating Results for the current first quarter of $64.3 million or $0.80 per share decreased $6.3 million, or $0.02 per share, from the prior year�s first quarter. Items impacting comparability will be discussed in more detail within the discussion of segment earnings below.

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS BY SEGMENT

The following discussion of the earnings of each segment is summarized in a tabular form in this report. It may be helpful to refer to those tables while reviewing this discussion. The Company is reporting financial results for four business segments: Exploration and Production, Pipeline and Storage, Utility, and Energy Marketing. Previously the Company reported separate results for the Timber segment. During the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the Company made the decision to eliminate the Timber segment as a reportable segment based on the fact that the Timber operations do not meet any of the quantitative thresholds specified by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Results from the former Timber segment are now included in the All Other category.

Exploration and Production Segment

The Exploration and Production segment operations are carried out by Seneca Resources Corporation (�Seneca�). Seneca explores for, develops and purchases natural gas and oil reserves mainly in California, in the Appalachian region and in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Exploration and Production segment�s loss in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 of $83.6 million, or $1.04 per share, is a decrease of $117.6 million, or $1.43 per share, when compared with the prior year�s first quarter. The decrease was mainly due to a non-cash charge of $108.2 million to write down the value of Seneca�s oil and natural gas producing properties.

Seneca uses the full cost method of accounting for determining the book value of its oil and natural gas properties. This accounting method requires that Seneca perform a quarterly �ceiling test� to compare the present value of future revenues from its oil and natural gas reserves based on period end spot prices (the �ceiling�) with the book value of those reserves at the balance sheet date. If the book value of the reserves exceeds the ceiling, a non-cash charge must be recorded in order to reduce the book value of the reserves to the calculated ceiling.

Excluding the impact of the ceiling test charge this quarter, Operating Results in the Exploration and Production segment were $24.7 million or $0.31 per share, compared to $34.0 million or $0.39 per share in the first quarter of the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to lower crude oil prices realized after hedging and lower natural gas production. For the quarter ended December 31, 2008, the weighted average oil price received by Seneca (after hedging) was $64.34 per barrel (�Bbl�), a decrease of $8.25 per Bbl, from the prior year�s first quarter. The weighted average natural gas price received by Seneca (after hedging) for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, was $8.90 per thousand cubic feet (�Mcf�), an increase of $1.00 per Mcf compared to the prior year�s first quarter.

Overall production for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 was 9.6 Bcfe, a decrease of 1.1 Bcfe compared to the prior year�s first quarter. Hurricane related shut-ins were responsible for most of the 1.2 Bcfe decrease in production of Seneca�s Gulf division. Two significant producing properties were shut-in for the entire first quarter due to repair work on third party pipelines and onshore processing facilities. Production was also slightly lower in the East division primarily due to compressor downtime and pipeline constraints. Higher production in the West partially offset the decreases in the other divisions.

Other items impacting Operating Results for the quarter were higher lease operating expenses (�LOE�) and general and administrative (�G&A�) expenses. The increase in LOE is mainly due to higher production taxes related to increased production from the High Island 24L and 23L fields located in the Gulf division, higher property taxes and increased well repair costs associated with higher than normal activity in the West, and an increase in the number of producing properties in Appalachia. G&A expenses increased primarily due to a bad debt charge related to a customer�s bankruptcy filing. Additional staffing and associated costs in the East division also contributed to the higher G&A expenses.

Pipeline and Storage Segment

The Pipeline and Storage segment operations are carried out by National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation (�Supply Corporation�) and Empire Pipeline Inc. (�Empire�). These companies provide natural gas transportation and storage services to affiliated and non-affiliated companies through an integrated system of pipelines and underground natural gas storage fields in western New York and western Pennsylvania.

The Pipeline and Storage segment�s earnings of $17.2 million, or $0.21 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, increased $4.4 million, or $0.06 per share, when compared with the same period in the prior fiscal year. The increase is mainly the result of higher transportation and storage revenues and higher efficiency gas revenues. The increase in transportation and storage revenues was largely due to the addition of several new contracts for firm transportation service. The higher efficiency gas revenues were due to higher transported volumes. Also contributing to the higher earnings was an increase in the allowance for funds used during construction related to the construction of the Empire Connector that was placed in service in mid-December 2008. Because of the mid-December start-up date, the Empire Connector did not make a significant contribution to volumes or revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

Utility Segment

The Utility segment operations are carried out by National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation (�Distribution�), which sells or transports natural gas to customers located in western New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The Utility segment�s earnings of $22.1 million, or $0.28 per share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, increased $1.9 million, or $0.04 per share compared to the prior year�s first quarter.

In the New York division, earnings increased $1.3 million. The increase was due to lower operating expenses mainly related to the rate of accrual for postretirement benefit expenses and lower interest expense this quarter. A decrease in margins partially offset the increase in earnings for the current quarter compared to the prior year�s first quarter. The decrease in margins was primarily due to the rate design change approved by the New York State Public Service Commission�s December 28, 2007 rate order.

Earnings increased $0.6 million in the Pennsylvania division, primarily due to weather that was colder than the prior year. This increase was partially offset by higher bad debt expense.

Energy Marketing

National Fuel Resources, Inc. (�NFR�) comprises the Company�s Energy Marketing segment. NFR markets natural gas to industrial, wholesale, commercial, public authority and residential customers primarily in western and central New York and northwestern Pennsylvania, offering competitively priced natural gas to its customers.

The Energy Marketing segment�s earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2008 of $0.6 million decreased $0.4 million from the first quarter last year. This decrease is mainly due to lower margins.

Corporate and All Other

Other active, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company include Highland Forest Resources, Inc., a corporation that markets high quality hardwoods from New York and Pennsylvania land holdings; Horizon LFG, Inc., a corporation engaged, through subsidiaries, in the purchase, processing, transportation and sale of landfill gas; and Horizon Power, Inc., a corporation that develops and owns independent electric generation facilities that are fueled by natural gas or landfill gas.

Earnings in the Corporate and All Other category for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 decreased $1.6 million when compared to the prior year�s first quarter. The comparability of the quarterly results is impacted by a $2.3 million gain recognized on corporate-owned executive life insurance policies and a $1.1 million impairment in the value of Horizon Power�s 50 percent investment in Energy Systems North East, LLC, a partnership that owns an 80-megawatt combined cycle, natural gas-fired power plant in the town of North East, Pennsylvania. Excluding these items, Operating Results decreased $2.8 million due to lower margins from the timber operations as a result of decreased sales volumes and prices, lower margins experienced in the landfill gas operations, and a decrease in income from unconsolidated subsidiaries. Also contributing to the decrease in Operating Results were higher interest expense and lower interest income. Lower corporate operating expenses partially offset the decrease in Operating Results. Expenses related to a proxy contest in the prior year did not recur in fiscal 2009.

EARNINGS GUIDANCE

The Company is revising its earnings guidance for fiscal 2009 to reflect actual first quarter results as well as a change in pricing assumptions for crude oil and natural gas. The revised GAAP earnings range is $1.10 to $1.30 per share. This includes the impairment charge ($1.35 per share) noted previously, forecast oil and gas production for fiscal 2009 for the Exploration and Production segment in the range between 38 and 44 Bcfe, hedges currently in place, and NYMEX equivalent flat commodity pricing on non-hedged volumes exclusive of basis differential of $5.50 per MMBtu for natural gas and $45.00 per Bbl for crude oil.

EARNINGS TELECONFERENCE

The Company will host a conference call on Friday, February 6, 2009, at 11 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss this announcement. There are two ways to access this call. For those with Internet access, visit the investor relations page at National Fuel�s Web site at investor.nationalfuelgas.com. For those without Internet access, access is also provided by dialing (toll-free) 1-866-783-2146, and using the passcode �16850387.� For those unable to listen to the live conference call, a replay will be available at approximately 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) at the same Web site link and by phone at (toll free) 1-888-286-8010 using passcode �64283323.� Both the webcast and telephonic replay will be available until the close of business on Friday, February 13, 2009.

Additional information about National Fuel is available on its Internet Web site: www.nationalfuelgas.com or through its investor information service at 1-800-334-2188.

Certain statements contained herein, including those regarding estimated future earnings, and statements that are identified by the use of the words �anticipates,� �estimates,� �expects,� �forecasts,� �intends,� �plans,� �predicts,� �projects,� �believes,� �seeks,� �will,� �may� and similar expressions, are �forward-looking statements� as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The Company�s expectations, beliefs and projections contained herein are expressed in good faith and are believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that such expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. 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: financial and economic conditions, including the availability of credit, and their effect on the Company�s ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms for working capital, capital expenditures and other investments; occurrences affecting the Company�s ability to obtain financing under credit lines or other credit facilities or through the issuance of commercial paper, other short-term notes or debt or equity securities, including any downgrades in the Company�s credit ratings and changes in interest rates and other capital market conditions; changes in economic conditions, including global, national or regional recessions, and their effect on the demand for, and customers� ability to pay for, the Company�s products and services; the creditworthiness or performance of the Company�s key suppliers, customers and counterparties; economic disruptions or uninsured losses resulting from terrorist activities, acts of war, major accidents, fires, hurricanes, other severe weather, pest infestation or other natural disasters; changes in actuarial assumptions, the interest rate environment and the return on plan/trust assets related to the Company�s pension and post-retirement benefits, which can affect future funding obligations and costs and plan liabilities; changes in demographic patterns and weather conditions; changes in the availability and/or price of natural gas or oil and the effect of such changes on the accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments or the valuation of the Company�s natural gas and oil reserves; impairments under the SEC�s full cost ceiling test for natural gas and oil reserves; uncertainty of oil and natural gas reserve estimates; ability to successfully identify, drill for and produce economically viable natural gas and oil reserves, including shortages, delays or unavailability of equipment and services required in drilling operations; significant changes from expectations in the Company�s actual production levels for natural gas or oil; changes in the availability and/or price of derivative financial instruments; changes in the price differentials between various types of oil; inability to obtain new customers or retain existing ones; significant changes in competitive factors affecting the Company; changes in laws and regulations to which the Company is subject, including tax, environmental, safety and employment laws and regulations; governmental/regulatory actions, initiatives and proceedings, including those involving acquisitions, financings, rate cases (which address, among other things, allowed rates of return, rate design and retained natural gas), affiliate relationships, industry structure, franchise renewal, and environmental/safety requirements; unanticipated impacts of restructuring initiatives in the natural gas and electric industries; significant changes from expectations in actual capital expenditures and operating expenses and unanticipated project delays or changes in project costs or plans; the nature and projected profitability of pending and potential projects and other investments, and the ability to obtain necessary governmental approvals and permits; ability to successfully identify and finance acquisitions or other investments and ability to operate and integrate existing and any subsequently acquired business or properties; significant changes in tax rates or policies or in rates of inflation or interest; 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; changes in accounting principles or the application of such principles to the Company; the cost and effects of legal and administrative claims against the Company or activist shareholder campaigns to effect changes at the Company; increasing health care costs and the resulting effect on health insurance premiums and on the obligation to provide post-retirement benefits; or increasing costs of insurance, changes in coverage and the ability to obtain insurance. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

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� � � � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 � Exploration & Pipeline & Energy Corporate / (Thousands of Dollars) Production � Storage � Utility � Marketing � All Other � Consolidated � First quarter 2008 GAAP earnings $ 34,022 $ 12,778 $ 20,217 $ 954 $ 2,633 $ 70,604 � Drivers of operating results Higher (lower) crude oil prices (4,428 ) (4,428 ) Higher (lower) natural gas prices 3,005 3,005 Higher (lower) natural gas production (5,907 ) (5,907 ) Higher (lower) crude oil production 156 156 Lower (higher) lease operating expenses (1,325 ) (1,325 ) Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion 586 586 � Higher (lower) transportation and storage revenues 1,218 1,218 Higher (lower) efficiency gas revenues 1,306 1,306 Lower (higher) operating expenses (1,652 ) 1,249 1,080 677 � Colder weather in Pennsylvania 824 824 � Higher (lower) income from unconsolidated subsidiaries (840 ) (840 ) � Higher (lower) margins (1,419 ) (152 ) (1,664 ) (3,235 ) � Higher AFUDC * 2,055 2,055 Higher (lower) interest income (1,624 ) (1,220 ) (2,844 ) (Higher) lower interest expense 1,515 771 (544 ) 1,742 � All other / rounding � 302 � � � (181 ) � � 446 � � � (203 ) � � 344 � � � 708 � � First quarter 2009 operating results 24,650 17,176 22,088 599 (211 ) 64,302 Items impacting comparability: Gain on life insurance policies 2,312 2,312 Impairment of investment in partnership (1,085 ) (1,085 ) Impairment of oil and gas properties � (108,207 ) � � � � � � � � � � (108,207 ) First quarter 2009 GAAP earnings $ (83,557 ) � $ 17,176 � � $ 22,088 � � $ 599 � � $ 1,016 � � $ (42,678 ) � � * AFUDC = Allowance for Funds Used During Construction � � � � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY RECONCILIATION OF CURRENT AND PRIOR YEAR GAAP EARNINGS PER SHARE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 � Exploration & Pipeline & Energy

Corporate /

Production � Storage � Utility � Marketing � All Other � Consolidated � First quarter 2008 GAAP earnings $ 0.39 $ 0.15 $ 0.24 $ 0.01 $ 0.03 $ 0.82 � Drivers of operating results Higher (lower) crude oil prices (0.06) (0.06) Higher (lower) natural gas prices 0.04 0.04 Higher (lower) natural gas production (0.07) (0.07) Higher (lower) crude oil production - - Lower (higher) lease operating expenses (0.02) (0.02) Lower (higher) depreciation / depletion 0.01 0.01 � Higher (lower) transportation and storage revenues 0.02 0.02 Higher (lower) efficiency gas revenues 0.02 0.02 Lower (higher) operating expenses (0.02) 0.02 0.01 0.01 � Colder weather in Pennsylvania 0.01 0.01 � Higher (lower) income from unconsolidated subsidiaries (0.01) (0.01) � Higher (lower) margins (0.02) - (0.02) (0.04) � Higher AFUDC * 0.03 0.03 Higher (lower) interest income (0.02) (0.02) (0.04) (Higher) lower interest expense 0.02 0.01 (0.01) 0.02 � All other / rounding 0.04 � (0.01) � 0.02 � - � 0.01 � 0.06 � First quarter 2009 operating results 0.31 0.21 0.28 0.01 (0.01) 0.80 Items impacting comparability: Gain on life insurance policies 0.03 0.03 Impairment of investment in partnership (0.01) (0.01) Impairment of oil and gas properties (1.35) � � � � � � � � � (1.35) First quarter 2009 GAAP earnings $ (1.04) � $ 0.21 � $ 0.28 � $ 0.01 � $ 0.01 � $ (0.53) � � * AFUDC = Allowance for Funds Used During Construction � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � (Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)

SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS

2008 2007 Operating Revenues $ 607,163 � $ 568,268 � � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas 328,733 278,010 Operation and Maintenance 101,334 102,455 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 18,762 17,672 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 42,342 44,121 Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties � 182,811 � � - � 673,982 442,258 � Operating Income (Loss) (66,819 ) 126,010 � Other Income (Expense): Income (Loss) from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (686 ) 2,275 Other Income 5,327 1,253 Interest Income 1,892 3,093 Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt (18,056 ) (16,289 ) Other Interest Expense � 375 � � (724 ) � Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (77,967 ) 115,618 � Income Tax Expense (Benefit) � (35,289 ) � 45,014 � � Net Income (Loss) Available for Common Stock $ (42,678 ) $ 70,604 � � Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Basic $ (0.54 ) $ 0.84 � Diluted $ (0.53 ) $ 0.82 � � Weighted Average Common Shares: Used in Basic Calculation � 79,289,005 � � 83,611,177 � Used in Diluted Calculation � 80,167,893 � � 85,819,534 � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) � December 31, September 30, (Thousands of Dollars) � 2008 � 2008 � ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment $4,982,596 $4,873,969 Less - Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 1,938,841 � 1,719,869 Net Property, Plant and Equipment 3,043,755 � 3,154,100 � Current Assets: Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 136,685 68,239 Hedging Collateral Deposits 3,743 1 Receivables - Net 229,220 185,397 Unbilled Utility Revenue 79,404 24,364 Gas Stored Underground 64,279 87,294 Materials and Supplies - at average cost 25,694 31,317 Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs 26,716 37,708 Other Current Assets 56,385 65,158 Deferred Income Taxes 6,340 � - Total Current Assets 628,466 � 499,478 � Other Assets: Recoverable Future Taxes 83,541 82,506 Unamortized Debt Expense 13,531 13,978 Other Regulatory Assets 190,890 189,587 Deferred Charges 4,233 4,417 Other Investments 69,801 80,640 Investments in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries 13,443 16,279 Goodwill 5,476 5,476 Intangible Assets 25,620 26,174 Prepaid Post-Retirement Benefit Costs 20,775 21,034 Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 111,303 28,786 Other 13,353 � 7,732 Total Other Assets 551,966 � 476,609 Total Assets $4,224,187 � $4,130,187 � CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES Capitalization: Comprehensive Shareholders' Equity Common Stock, $1 Par Value Authorized - 200,000,000 Shares; Issued and Outstanding - 79,512,716 Shares and 79,120,544 Shares, Respectively $79,513 $79,121 Paid in Capital 580,377 567,716 Earnings Reinvested in the Business 884,476 � 953,799 Total Common Shareholders' Equity Before Items of Other Comprehensive Income 1,544,366 1,600,636 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 50,101 � 2,963 Total Comprehensive Shareholders' Equity 1,594,467 1,603,599 Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion 999,000 � 999,000 Total Capitalization 2,593,467 � 2,602,599 � Current and Accrued Liabilities: Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper 66,000 - Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 100,000 100,000 Accounts Payable 197,968 142,520 Amounts Payable to Customers 4,715 2,753 Dividends Payable 25,841 25,714 Interest Payable on Long-Term Debt 15,557 22,114 Customer Advances 30,093 33,017 Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 65,415 45,220 Deferred Income Taxes - 1,871 Fair Value of Derivative Financial Instruments 2,941 � 1,362 Total Current and Accrued Liabilities 508,530 � 374,571 � Deferred Credits: Deferred Income Taxes 604,044 634,372 Taxes Refundable to Customers 18,452 18,449 Unamortized Investment Tax Credit 4,516 4,691 Cost of Removal Regulatory Liability 103,877 103,100 Other Regulatory Liabilities 96,378 91,933 Pension and Other Post-Retirement Liabilities 73,076 78,909 Asset Retirement Obligations 92,597 93,247 Other Deferred Credits 129,250 � 128,316 Total Deferred Credits 1,122,190 � 1,153,017 Commitments and Contingencies - � - Total Capitalization and Liabilities $4,224,187 � $4,130,187 � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) � Three Months Ended December 31, (Thousands of Dollars) � 2008 � 2007 � Operating Activities: Net Income (Loss) Available for Common Stock ($42,678 ) $ 70,604 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties 182,811 - Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 42,342 44,121 Deferred Income Taxes (69,626 ) 5,296 (Income) Loss from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries, Net of Cash Distributions 1,032 431 Impairment of Investment in Partnership 1,804 - Excess Tax Benefits Associated with Stock-Based Compensation Awards (5,927 ) (16,275 ) Other 6,628 4,916 Change in: Hedging Collateral Deposits (3,742 ) 2,070 Receivables and Unbilled Utility Revenue (98,914 ) (127,894 ) Gas Stored Underground and Materials and Supplies 20,971 (186 ) Unrecovered Purchased Gas Costs 10,992 2,583 Prepayments and Other Current Assets 14,958 10,422 Accounts Payable 3,705 42,398 Amounts Payable to Customers 1,962 (1,228 ) Customer Advances (2,924 ) 635 Other Accruals and Current Liabilities 30,407 25,400 Other Assets 12,560 10,163 Other Liabilities � � (6,217 ) � � 1,889 � Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities � $ 100,144 � � $ 75,345 � � Investing Activities: Capital Expenditures ($84,268 ) ($69,744 ) Cash Held in Escrow - 58,397 Net Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Producing Properties - 1,500 Other � � (632 ) � � (761 ) Net Cash Used in Investing Activities � � ($84,900 ) � � ($10,608 ) � Financing Activities: Change in Notes Payable to Banks and Commercial Paper $ 66,000 $ - Excess Tax Benefits Associated with Stock-Based Compensation Awards 5,927 16,275 Reduction of Long-Term Debt - (24 ) Dividends Paid on Common Stock (25,714 ) (25,873 ) Proceeds From Issuance of Common Stock � � 6,989 � � � 9,846 � Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities � $ 53,202 � � $ 224 � Net Increase in Cash and Temporary Cash Investments 68,446 64,961 Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at Beginning of Period � � 68,239 � � � 124,806 � Cash and Temporary Cash Investments at December 31 � $ 136,685 � � $ 189,767 � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED) � Three Months Ended (Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts) December 31,

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION SEGMENT

2008 2007 Variance Total Operating Revenues $ 96,712 � $ 107,955 � $ (11,243 ) � Operating Expenses: Operation and Maintenance: General and Administrative Expense 7,092 5,580 1,512 Lease Operating Expense 12,614 11,727 887 All Other Operation and Maintenance Expense 2,630 1,736 894 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes (Lease Operating Expense) 2,955 1,801 1,154 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization 23,144 24,045 (901 ) Impairment of Oil and Gas Producing Properties � 182,811 � � - � � 182,811 � � 231,246 � � 44,889 � � 186,357 � � Operating Income (Loss) (134,534 ) 63,066 (197,600 ) � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income 1,389 3,888 (2,499 ) Other Income - 82 (82 ) Other Interest Expense � (8,814 ) � (11,144 ) � 2,330 � � Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (141,959 ) 55,892 (197,851 ) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) � (58,402 ) � 21,870 � � (80,272 ) Net Income (Loss) $ (83,557 ) $ 34,022 � $ (117,579 ) � Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted) $ (1.04 ) $ 0.39 � $ (1.43 ) � � � � Three Months Ended December 31,

PIPELINE AND STORAGE SEGMENT

2008 2007 Variance Revenues from External Customers $ 35,267 $ 31,884 $ 3,383 Intersegment Revenues � 20,837 � � 20,347 � � 490 � Total Operating Revenues � 56,104 � � 52,231 � � 3,873 � � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas 14 5 9 Operation and Maintenance 16,147 15,999 148 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 4,239 4,273 (34 ) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization � 7,853 � � 8,109 � � (256 ) � 28,253 � � 28,386 � � (133 ) � Operating Income 27,851 23,845 4,006 � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income 13 94 (81 ) Other Income 2,787 690 2,097 Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt - (16 ) 16 Other Interest Expense � (3,667 ) � (3,035 ) � (632 ) � Income Before Income Taxes 26,984 21,578 5,406 Income Tax Expense � 9,808 � � 8,800 � � 1,008 � Net Income $ 17,176 � $ 12,778 � $ 4,398 � � Net Income Per Share (Diluted) $ 0.21 � $ 0.15 � $ 0.06 � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED) � Three Months Ended (Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts) December 31,

UTILITY SEGMENT

2008 2007 Variance Revenues from External Customers $ 349,637 $ 327,125 $ 22,512 Intersegment Revenues � 4,553 � � 4,299 � � 254 � Total Operating Revenues � 354,190 � � 331,424 � � 22,766 � � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas 241,896 219,123 22,773 Operation and Maintenance 49,614 50,981 (1,367 ) Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 11,126 11,098 28 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization � 9,723 � � 10,042 � � (319 ) � 312,359 � � 291,244 � � 21,115 � � Operating Income 41,831 40,180 1,651 � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income 796 198 598 Other Income 275 345 (70 ) Other Interest Expense � (6,066 ) � (7,251 ) � 1,185 � � Income Before Income Taxes 36,836 33,472 3,364 Income Tax Expense � 14,748 � � 13,255 � � 1,493 � Net Income $ 22,088 � $ 20,217 � $ 1,871 � � Net Income Per Share (Diluted) $ 0.28 � $ 0.24 � $ 0.04 � � � � � Three Months Ended December 31,

ENERGY MARKETING SEGMENT

2008 2007 Variance Operating Revenues $ 115,007 � $ 86,719 � $ 28,288 � � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas 112,450 83,929 28,521 Operation and Maintenance 1,468 1,346 122 Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 7 10 (3 ) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization � 11 � � 11 � � - � � 113,936 � � 85,296 � � 28,640 � � Operating Income 1,071 1,423 (352 ) � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income 3 25 (22 ) Other Income 43 58 (15 ) Other Interest Expense � (135 ) � (84 ) � (51 ) � Income Before Income Taxes 982 1,422 (440 ) Income Tax Expense � 383 � � 468 � � (85 ) Net Income $ 599 � $ 954 � $ (355 ) � Net Income Per Share (Diluted) $ 0.01 � $ 0.01 � $ - � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED) � Three Months Ended (Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts) December 31,

ALL OTHER

2008 2007 Variance Revenues from External Customers $ 10,325 $ 14,450 $ (4,125 ) Intersegment Revenues � 2,322 � � 2,714 � � (392 ) Total Operating Revenues � 12,647 � � 17,164 � � (4,517 ) � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas 1,960 2,202 (242 ) Operation and Maintenance 9,532 11,017 (1,485 ) Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 365 420 (55 ) Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization � 1,438 � � 1,742 � � (304 ) � 13,295 � � 15,381 � � (2,086 ) � Operating Income (Loss) (648 ) 1,783 (2,431 ) � Other Income (Expense): Income (Loss) from Unconsolidated Subsidiaries (686 ) 2,275 (2,961 ) Interest Income 249 405 (156 ) Other Income 1 9 (8 ) Other Interest Expense � (773 ) � (1,147 ) � 374 � � Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (1,857 ) 3,325 (5,182 ) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) � (989 ) � 589 � � (1,578 ) Net Income (Loss) $ (868 ) $ 2,736 � $ (3,604 ) � Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted) $ (0.01 ) $ 0.03 � $ (0.04 ) � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � SEGMENT OPERATING RESULTS AND STATISTICS (UNAUDITED) � Three Months Ended (Thousands of Dollars, except per share amounts) December 31,

CORPORATE

2008 2007 Variance Revenues from External Customers $ 215 $ 135 $ 80 Intersegment Revenues � 1,003 � � 961 � � 42 � Total Operating Revenues $ 1,218 � $ 1,096 � $ 122 � � Operating Expenses: Operation and Maintenance 3,365 5,141 (1,776 ) Property, Franchise and Other Taxes 70 70 - Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization � 173 � � 172 � � 1 � � 3,608 � � 5,383 � � (1,775 ) � Operating Loss (2,390 ) (4,287 ) 1,897 � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income 20,984 22,704 (1,720 ) Other Income 2,221 69 2,152 Interest Expense on Long-Term Debt (18,056 ) (16,273 ) (1,783 ) Other Interest Expense � (1,712 ) � (2,284 ) � 572 � � Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 1,047 (71 ) 1,118 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) � (837 ) � 32 � � (869 ) Net Income (Loss) $ 1,884 � $ (103 ) $ 1,987 � � Net Income (Loss) Per Share (Diluted) $ 0.02 � $ - � $ 0.02 � � � � Three Months Ended December 31,

INTERSEGMENT ELIMINATIONS

2008 2007 Variance Intersegment Revenues $ (28,715 ) $ (28,321 ) $ (394 ) � Operating Expenses: Purchased Gas (27,587 ) (27,249 ) (338 ) Operation and Maintenance � (1,128 ) � (1,072 ) � (56 ) � (28,715 ) � (28,321 ) � (394 ) � Operating Income - - - � Other Income (Expense): Interest Income (21,542 ) (24,221 ) 2,679 Other Interest Expense � 21,542 � � 24,221 � � (2,679 ) � Net Income $ - � $ - � $ - � � Net Income Per Share (Diluted) $ - � $ - � $ - � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � � � � SEGMENT INFORMATION (Continued) (Thousands of Dollars) � � Three Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited) � Increase 2008 2007 (Decrease) �

Capital Expenditures:

Exploration and Production (1) $ 86,410 $ 30,666 $ 55,744 Pipeline and Storage (2) 19,501 25,371 (5,870 ) Utility 13,589 12,709 880 Energy Marketing � 2 � � 9 � (7 ) Total Reportable Segments 119,502 68,755 50,747 All Other 52 982 (930 ) Corporate 31 7 24 Eliminations � (344 ) � - � (344 ) Total Capital Expenditures $ 119,241 � $ 69,744 $ 49,497 � � �

(1) Amount for the three months ended December 31, 2008 includes $51.7 million of accrued capital expenditures, the majority of which was for lease acquisitions in the Appalachian region. This amount has been excluded from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows at December 31, 2008 since it represents a non-cash investing activity at that date.

�

(2) Amount for the three months ended December 31, 2008 excludes $16.8 million of capital expenditures related to the Empire Connector project accrued at September 30, 2008 and paid during the three months ended December 31, 2008. This amount was excluded from the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows at September 30, 2008 since it represented a non-cash investing activity at that date. The amount has been included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows at December 31, 2008.

� �

DEGREE DAYS

� Percent Colder (Warmer) Than:

Three Months Ended December 31

Normal 2008 2007 Normal Last Year � Buffalo, NY 2,260 2,313 2,094 2.3 10.5 Erie, PA 2,081 2,067 1,871 (0.7 ) 10.5 � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES �

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INFORMATION

� � Three Months Ended December 31, Increase 2008 2007 (Decrease) �

Gas Production/Prices:

Production (MMcf) Gulf Coast 1,746 2,826 (1,080 ) West Coast 1,022 1,027 (5 ) Appalachia � 1,851 � 1,917 � (66 ) Total Production � 4,619 � 5,770 � (1,151 ) � Average Prices (Per Mcf) Gulf Coast $ 7.04 $ 7.14 $ (0.10 ) West Coast 5.02 6.77 (1.75 ) Appalachia 8.53 7.45 1.08 Weighted Average 7.19 7.18 0.01 Weighted Average after Hedging 8.90 7.90 1.00 �

Oil Production/Prices:

Production (Thousands of Barrels) Gulf Coast 128 156 (28 ) West Coast 682 629 53 Appalachia � 15 � 37 � (22 ) Total Production � 825 � 822 � 3 � � Average Prices (Per Barrel) Gulf Coast $ 56.19 $ 89.84 $ (33.65 ) West Coast 48.01 81.80 (33.79 ) Appalachia 69.06 84.12 (15.06 ) Weighted Average 49.66 83.43 (33.77 ) Weighted Average after Hedging 64.34 72.59 (8.25 ) � Total Production (MMcfe) � 9,569 � 10,702 � (1,133 ) �

Selected Operating Performance Statistics:

General & Administrative Expense per Mcfe (1) $ 0.74 $ 0.52 $ 0.22 Lease Operating Expense per Mcfe (1) $ 1.63 $ 1.26 $ 0.37 Depreciation, Depletion & Amortization per Mcfe (1) $ 2.42 $ 2.25 $ 0.17 � �

(1) Refer to page 13 for the General and Administrative Expense, Lease Operating Expense and Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense for the Exploration and Production segment.

� � � � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES �

EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION INFORMATION

� � Hedging Summary for the Remaining Nine Months of Fiscal 2009 �

SWAPS

Volume

Average Hedge Price

Oil 0.9 MMBBL $83.12 / BBL Gas 7.5 BCF $9.41 / MCF � Hedging Summary for Fiscal 2010 �

SWAPS

Volume

Average Hedge Price

Oil 0.6 MMBBL $102.52 / BBL Gas 3.6 BCF $10.64 / MCF � Hedging Summary for Fiscal 2011 �

SWAPS

Volume

Average Hedge Price

Oil 0.1 MMBBL $125.25 / BBL Gas 1.5 BCF $8.29 / MCF �

Gross Wells in Process of Drilling

Quarter Ended December 31, 2008

Total

Gulf

West

East

Company

� Wells in Process - Beginning of Period Exploratory 1.00 0.00 25.00 26.00 Developmental 1.00 1.00 123.00 125.00 Wells Commenced Exploratory 0.00 0.00 4.00 4.00 Developmental 0.00 17.00 49.00 66.00 Wells Completed Exploratory 1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 Developmental 0.00 10.00 75.00 85.00 Wells Plugged & Abandoned Exploratory 0.00 0.00 2.00 2.00 Developmental 1.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 Wells in Process - End of Period Exploratory 0.00 0.00 27.00 27.00 Developmental 0.00 8.00 97.00 105.00 � �

Net Wells in Process of Drilling

Quarter Ended December 31, 2008

Total

Gulf

West

East

Company

� Wells in Process - Beginning of Period Exploratory 0.29 0.00 24.00 24.29 Developmental 0.30 1.00 122.00 123.30 Wells Commenced Exploratory 0.00 0.00 2.50 2.50 Developmental 0.00 17.00 49.00 66.00 Wells Completed Exploratory 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.29 Developmental 0.00 10.00 75.00 85.00 Wells Plugged & Abandoned Exploratory 0.00 0.00 2.00 2.00 Developmental 0.30 0.00 0.00 0.30 Wells in Process - End of Period Exploratory 0.00 0.00 24.50 24.50 Developmental 0.00 8.00 96.00 104.00 � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � � � �

Pipeline & Storage Throughput - (millions of cubic feet - MMcf)

� Three Months Ended December 31, Increase 2008 2007 (Decrease) Firm Transportation - Affiliated 34,941 31,336 3,605 Firm Transportation - Non-Affiliated 75,374 61,547 13,827 Interruptible Transportation 1,792 1,083 709 112,107 93,966 18,141 � Utility Throughput - (MMcf) Three Months Ended December 31, Increase 2008 2007 (Decrease) Retail Sales: Residential Sales 18,166 17,127 1,039 Commercial Sales 2,911 2,877 34 Industrial Sales 143 123 20 21,220 20,127 1,093 Off-System Sales 512 1,031 (519) Transportation 17,473 17,827 (354) 39,205 38,985 220 � Energy Marketing Volumes Three Months Ended December 31, Increase 2008 2007 (Decrease) Natural Gas (MMcf) 13,136 10,841 2,295 � NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES FISCAL 2009 EARNINGS GUIDANCE AND SENSITIVITY � � � � � � � Earnings per share sensitivity to changes Fiscal 2009 (Diluted earnings per share guidance*) from prices used in guidance* ^ � $1 change per MMBtu gas $5 change per Bbl oil Earnings Range Increase � Decrease Increase � Decrease � Consolidated Earnings $1.10 - $1.30 + $0.07 - $0.07 + $0.05 - $0.05 � � � � * Please refer to forward looking statement footnote beginning at page 6 of this document. �

^ This sensitivity table is current as of February 4, 2009 and only considers revenue from the Exploration and Production segment's crude oil and natural gas sales. This revenue is based upon pricing used in the Company's earnings forecast. For the last three quarters of its fiscal 2009 earnings forecast, the Company is utilizing flat NYMEX equivalent commodity pricing, exclusive of basis differential, of $5.50 per MMBtu for natural gas and $45 per Bbl for crude oil. The sensitivities will become obsolete with the passage of time, changes in Seneca's production forecast, changes in basis differential, as additional hedging contracts are entered into, and with the settling of hedge contracts at their maturity. This table does not factor in any possible additional reduction to earnings due to future "ceiling test" impairments as described in the text of this earnings release.

�

� NATIONAL FUEL GAS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES � �

Quarter Ended December 31 (unaudited)

2008 2007 � Operating Revenues $ 607,163,000 � $ 568,268,000 � Net Income (Loss) Available for Common Stock $ (42,678,000 ) $ 70,604,000 � Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share: Basic $ (0.54 ) $ 0.84 Diluted $ (0.53 ) $ 0.82 � Weighted Average Common Shares: Used in Basic Calculation � 79,289,005 � � 83,611,177 Used in Diluted Calculation � 80,167,893 � � 85,819,534 � �

Twelve Months Ended December 31 (unaudited)

� Operating Revenues $ 2,439,256,000 � $ 2,117,176,000 � Income from Continuing Operations $ 155,446,000 $ 221,591,000 Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax � - � � 131,948,000 Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 155,446,000 � $ 353,539,000 � Earnings Per Common Share: Basic: Income from Continuing Operations $ 1.91 $ 2.66 Income from Discontinued Operations � - � � 1.58 Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 1.91 � $ 4.24 � Diluted: Income from Continuing Operations $ 1.87 $ 2.59 Income from Discontinued Operations � - � � 1.54 Net Income Available for Common Stock $ 1.87 � $ 4.13 � Weighted Average Common Shares: Used in Basic Calculation � 81,217,898 � � 83,376,508 Used in Diluted Calculation � 83,112,216 � � 85,541,214