A system and method are provided for short term trading in gas and/or gas derivatives. In a preferred embodiment, the system provides a plurality of shallow depth salt gas storage facilities. Each of the facilities is typically operated at pressures in a range close to the pipeline pressure, typically within a range of 20 to 80 bars. If trading results in a difference to be made up, then computers operating the facilities respond quickly to add or remove gas from the pipelines, as required, with a response time as low as two minutes to change the net direction of flow of gas into or out of the storage facilities.