As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2005

Registration No.                     

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

National Fuel Gas Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

6363 Main Street

Williamsville, New York 14221

(716) 857-7000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of

registrant’s principal executive offices)

     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after this registration statement becomes effective.

     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    o

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    þ

     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.    o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

     The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the SEC, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 29, 2005

PROSPECTUS

2,000,000 Shares

National Fuel Gas Company

Common Stock

Direct Stock Purchase and

Dividend Reinvestment Plan

        This prospectus relates to 2,000,000 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value, of National Fuel Gas Company. All of the shares being offered hereby will be sold pursuant to the National Fuel Gas Company Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan). You should read this prospectus carefully before you invest.

      The price of the common stock will be based upon market prices prevailing at the time of sale. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NFG.”

      If you are currently participating in the Plan, you will remain enrolled in the Plan, and you do not have to take any action unless you wish to make a change to your Plan account or terminate your participation.

      To the extent required by applicable law in certain jurisdictions, shares of common stock offered under the Plan to certain persons are offered only through a registered broker/ dealer in such jurisdictions.

      The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221, and its telephone number is (716) 857-7000.

      You should carefully consider the Company Risk Factors starting at page 1 of this prospectus before investing in the Company.

      Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2005.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Company

      National Fuel Gas Company is a diversified energy company registered under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. Its holdings include six reportable business segments: a utility segment, a pipeline and storage segment, an exploration and production segment, an international segment, an energy marketing segment, and a timber segment. National Fuel Gas Company was incorporated in New Jersey in 1902. References in this prospectus to “National Fuel” or the “Company” mean National Fuel Gas Company, National Fuel Gas Company and its subsidiaries, or National Fuel Gas Company’s subsidiaries, as appropriate in the context of the disclosure. Whenever this prospectus refers to “shares” or “stock,” it means National Fuel Gas Company’s common stock. National Fuel Gas Company’s principal executive offices are located at 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221, and its telephone number is (716) 857-7000.

Purpose of the Plan

      The National Fuel Gas Company Direct Stock Purchase and Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan) promotes long-term ownership in National Fuel by offering:

      You do not have to be a current shareholder of National Fuel to participate in the Plan. You can purchase your first shares of National Fuel stock through the Plan by making an initial investment of $1,000 or more, which includes an enrollment fee of $15.

Company Risk Factors

      Investment in the Company involves certain risks. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described and the other information included in this prospectus before deciding to invest in the Company.

      National Fuel is a holding company with no significant assets other than the stock of its operating subsidiaries. In order to meet its financial needs, National Fuel relies exclusively on repayments of principal and interest on intercompany loans made by National Fuel to its operating subsidiaries and income from dividends and other cash flow from the subsidiaries. Such operating subsidiaries may not generate sufficient net income to pay upstream dividends or generate sufficient cash flow to make payments of principal or interest on such intercompany loans.

      In addition to its longer term debt that is issued to the public under its indentures, National Fuel has relied, and continues to rely, upon shorter term bank borrowings to finance the execution of a portion of its operating strategies. National Fuel is dependent on these capital sources to provide capital to its subsidiaries to allow them to acquire and develop their properties. The availability and cost of these credit sources is cyclical and these capital sources may not remain available to National Fuel or National Fuel may not be able to obtain money at a reasonable cost in the future. In addition, all of National Fuel’s bank loans are in the form of floating rate debt or debt that may have rates fixed for very short periods of time. At present, National Fuel has no active interest rate hedges in place to protect against interest rate fluctuations on bank debt other than at the project level of the Empire State Pipeline, where there is an interest rate collar on the approximate $39.1 million of project debt (at December 31, 2004). In addition,

the interest rates on National Fuel’s bank loans are affected by its debt credit ratings published by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service, Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings Service. A ratings downgrade could increase the interest cost of this debt and decrease future availability of money from banks and other sources. National Fuel believes it is important to maintain investment grade credit ratings to conduct its business.

      National Fuel’s credit ratings are an independent assessment of its ability to pay its obligations. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in the Company’s credit ratings will generally affect the market value of the specific debt instruments that are rated, as well as the market value of the Company’s common stock. National Fuel’s credit ratings, however, may not reflect the potential impact on the value of its common stock of risks related to structural, market or other factors discussed in this prospectus.

      While National Fuel generally refers to its utility segment and its pipeline and storage segment as its “regulated segments,” there are many governmental regulations that have an impact on almost every aspect of National Fuel’s businesses. Existing statutes and regulations may be revised or reinterpreted and new laws and regulations may be adopted or become applicable to the Company, which may affect its business in ways that the Company cannot predict.

      In its utility segment, the operations of National Fuel’s local distribution utility subsidiary are subject to the jurisdiction of the New York Public Service Commission (“NYPSC”) and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (“PaPUC”). The NYPSC and the PaPUC, among other things, approve the rates that National Fuel may charge to its utility customers. Those approved rates also impact the returns that National Fuel’s utility may earn on the assets that are dedicated to those operations. If National Fuel is required in a rate proceeding to reduce the rates it charges its utility customers, or if National Fuel is unable to obtain approval for rate increases from these regulators, particularly when necessary to cover increased costs, National Fuel’s revenue growth will be limited and its earnings may decrease.

      In addition to their historical methods of utility regulation, both the PaPUC and NYPSC have sought to establish competitive markets in which customers may purchase supplies of gas from marketers, rather than from utility companies. In June, 1999, the Governor of Pennsylvania signed into law the Natural Gas Choice and Competition Act. The act revised the Public Utility Code relating to the restructuring of the nature gas industry. The purpose of the law was to permit consumer choice of natural gas suppliers. To a certain degree, the early programs instituted to comply with the Act have not been overly successful, and many residential customers currently continue to purchase natural gas from the utility companies. In New York, in August, 2004, the NYPSC issued its Statement of Policy on Further Steps Toward Competition in Retail Energy Markets. This policy statement has a similar goal of encouraging customer choice of alternative natural gas providers. These new forms of regulation may increase National Fuel’s cost of doing business, put an additional portion of its business at regulatory risk, and create uncertainty for the future, all of which may make it more difficult to manage National Fuel’s business profitably.

      In its pipeline and storage segment, National Fuel is subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with respect to National Fuel Gas Supply Corporation, a natural gas pipeline and storage company operating in New York and Pennsylvania, and to the jurisdiction of the NYPSC with respect to Empire State Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline company operating in New York. These regulatory commissions, among other things, approve the rates that National Fuel may charge to its natural gas transportation and storage customers. Those approved rates also impact the returns that National Fuel’s pipeline and storage segment may earn on the assets that are dedicated to those operations. If National Fuel is required in a rate proceeding to reduce the rates it charges its natural gas transportation and storage customers, or if National Fuel is unable to obtain approval for rate increases, particularly when

necessary to cover increased costs, National Fuel’s revenue growth will be limited and its earnings may decrease.

      Tariff rate schedules in each of the utility segment’s service territories contain purchased gas adjustment clauses which permit National Fuel to file with state regulators for rate adjustments to recover increases in the cost of purchased gas. Assuming those rate adjustments are granted, increases in the cost of purchased gas have no direct impact on profit margins. Nevertheless, increases in the cost of purchased gas affect cash flows and can therefore impact the amount or availability of National Fuel’s capital resources. National Fuel has issued commercial paper and used short-term borrowings in the past to temporarily finance storage inventories and purchased gas costs, and National Fuel expects to do so in the future.

      National Fuel is required to file an accounting reconciliation with the regulators in each of the utility segment’s service territories regarding the costs of purchased gas. Due to the nature of the regulatory process, there is a risk of a disallowance of full recovery of these costs during any period in which there has been a substantial upward spike in these costs. Any material disallowance of purchased gas costs could have a material adverse effect on cash flow and earnings. In addition, even when the Company is allowed full recovery of these purchased gas costs, during periods when natural gas prices are significantly higher than historical levels, customers may have trouble paying the resulting higher bills, and National Fuel’s bad debt expenses may increase and ultimately reduce earnings.

      National Fuel’s ability to finance capital expenditures and to refinance maturing debt will depend upon general economic conditions in the capital markets. The direction in which interest rates may move is uncertain. Declining interest rates have generally been believed to be favorable to utilities, while rising interest rates are generally believed to be unfavorable, because of the levels of debt that utilities may have outstanding. In addition, National Fuel’s authorized rate of return in its regulated businesses is based upon certain assumptions regarding interest rates. If interest rates are lower than assumed rates, National Fuel’s authorized rate of return could be reduced. If interest rates are higher than assumed rates, National Fuel’s ability to earn its authorized rate of return may be adversely impacted.

      National Fuel’s exploration and production operations are materially dependent on prices received for its oil and natural gas production. Both short-term and long-term price trends affect the economics of exploring for, developing, producing, gathering and processing oil and natural gas. Oil and natural gas prices can be volatile and can be affected by: weather conditions; the supply and price of foreign oil and natural gas; the level of consumer product demand; national and worldwide economic conditions; political conditions in foreign countries; the price and availability of alternative fuels; the proximity to, and availability of capacity on, transportation facilities; regional levels of supply and demand; energy conservation measures; and government regulations, such as regulation of natural gas transportation, royalties, and price controls. National Fuel sells most of its oil and natural gas at current market prices rather than through fixed-price contracts, although as discussed below, National Fuel frequently hedges the price of a significant portion of its future production in the financial markets. The prices National Fuel receives depend upon factors beyond National Fuel’s control, which include: weather conditions; the supply and price of foreign oil and natural gas; the level of consumer product demand; worldwide economic conditions, including economic disruptions caused by terrorist activities or acts of war; political conditions in foreign countries; the price and availability of alternative fuels; the proximity to and capacity of transportation facilities; worldwide energy conservation measures; and government regulations, such as regulation of natural gas transportation and price controls. National Fuel believes that any prolonged

reduction in oil and natural gas prices would restrict its ability to continue the level of activity National Fuel otherwise would pursue, which could have a material adverse effect on its revenues, cash flows and results of operations.

      In order to protect itself to some extent against unusual price volatility and to lock in fixed pricing on oil and natural gas production for certain periods of time, National Fuel periodically enters into commodity price derivatives contracts (hedging arrangements) with respect to a portion of its expected production. These contracts may at any time cover as much as 70% of National Fuel’s expected energy production during the upcoming 12 month period. These contracts reduce exposure to subsequent price drops but can also limit National Fuel’s ability to benefit from increases in commodity prices. Use of energy commodity price hedges also exposes National Fuel to the risk of non-performance by a contract counterparty. National Fuel carefully evaluates the financial strength of all contract counterparties but these parties might not be able to perform their obligations under the hedge arrangements. It is National Fuel’s policy that the use of commodity derivatives contracts be strictly confined to the price hedging of existing and forecast production, and National Fuel maintains a system of internal controls to monitor compliance with its policy. However, unauthorized speculative trades could occur that may expose National Fuel to substantial losses to cover positions in these contracts.

      The registration statement to which this prospectus relates contains estimates of National Fuel’s proved oil and natural gas reserves and the future net cash flows from those reserves that were prepared by National Fuel’s petroleum engineers and reviewed by independent petroleum engineers. Petroleum engineers consider many factors and make assumptions in estimating National Fuel’s oil and natural gas reserves and future net cash flows. These factors include: historical production from the area compared with production from other producing areas; the assumed effect of governmental regulation; and assumptions concerning oil and natural gas prices, production and development costs, severance and excise taxes, and capital expenditures. Lower oil and natural gas prices generally cause lower estimates of proved reserves. Estimates of reserves and expected future cash flows prepared by different engineers, or by the same engineers at different times, may differ substantially. Ultimately, actual production, revenues and expenditures relating to National Fuel’s reserves will vary from any estimates, and these variations may be material. Accordingly, the accuracy of National Fuel’s reserve estimates is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. If conditions remain constant, then National Fuel is reasonably certain that its reserve estimates represent economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves and future net cash flows. If conditions change in the future, then subsequent reserve estimates may be revised accordingly. You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows from National Fuel’s proved reserves is the current market value of National Fuel’s estimated oil and natural gas reserves. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements, National Fuel bases the estimated discounted future net cash flows from its proved reserves on prices and costs as of the date of the estimate. Actual future prices and costs may differ materially from those used in the net present value estimate. Any significant price changes will have a material effect on the present value of National Fuel’s reserves. Petroleum engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas and other hydrocarbons that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex. The process involves significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. Future economic and operating conditions are uncertain, and changes in those conditions could cause a revision to National Fuel’s future reserve estimates. Estimates of economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves and of future net cash flows depend upon a number of variable factors and assumptions, including historical production from the area compared with production from other comparable producing areas, and the assumed effects of regulations by governmental agencies. Because all reserve estimates are to some degree subjective, each of the following items may

differ materially from those assumed in estimating reserves: the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered, the timing of the recovery of oil and natural gas reserves, the production and operating costs incurred, the amount and timing of future development expenditures, and the price received for the production.

      There are many risks in developing oil and natural gas, including numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves and in projecting future rates of production and timing of development expenditures. The future success of National Fuel’s exploration and production segment depends on its ability to develop additional oil and natural gas reserves that are economically recoverable, and its failure to do so may reduce National Fuel’s earnings. The total and timing of actual future production may vary significantly from reserves and production estimates. National Fuel’s drilling of development wells can involve significant risks, including those related to timing, success rates, and cost overruns, and these risks can be affected by lease and rig availability, geology, and other factors. Drilling for natural gas can be unprofitable, not only from dry wells, but from productive wells that do not produce sufficient revenues to return a profit. Also, title problems, weather conditions, governmental requirements, and shortages or delays in the delivery of equipment and services can delay drilling operations or result in their cancellation. The cost of drilling, completing, and operating wells is often uncertain, and new wells may not be productive or National Fuel may not recover all or any portion of its investment. Without continued successful exploitation or acquisition activities, National Fuel’s reserves and revenues will decline as a result of its current reserves being depleted by production. National Fuel cannot assure you that it will be able to find or acquire additional reserves at acceptable costs.

      National Fuel accounts for its exploration and production activities under the full-cost method of accounting. Each quarter, on a country-by-country basis, National Fuel must compare the level of its unamortized investment in oil and natural gas properties to the present value of the future net revenue projected to be recovered from those properties according to methods prescribed by the SEC. If, at the end of any quarter, the amount of the unamortized investment exceeds the net present value of the projected future revenues, such investment may be considered to be “impaired,” and the full-cost accounting rules require that the investment must be written down to the calculated net present value. Such an instance, if it were to occur, would require National Fuel to recognize an immediate expense in that quarter, and its earnings would be reduced. Because of the variability in National Fuel’s investment in oil and natural gas properties and the volatile nature of commodity prices, National Fuel cannot predict if, or when, it may be affected by such an impairment calculation.

      National Fuel’s business operations are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations (including those of the Czech Republic and Canada) relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations concern the generation, storage, transportation, disposal or discharge of contaminants into the environment and the general protection of public health, natural resources, wildlife and the environment. Costs of compliance and liabilities could negatively affect National Fuel’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, compliance with environmental laws and regulations could require unexpected capital expenditures at National Fuel’s facilities. Because the costs of complying with environmental regulations are significant, additional regulation could negatively affect National Fuel’s business. Although National Fuel cannot predict the impact of the interpretation or enforcement of Environmental Protection Agency standards or other federal, state and local regulations, National Fuel’s costs could increase if environmental laws and regulations become more strict.

      National Fuel’s operations are subject to inherent hazards and risks such as: fires; natural disasters; explosions; formations with abnormal pressures; blowouts; collapses of wellbore casing or other tubulars; pipeline ruptures; spills; and other hazards and risks that may cause personal injury, death, property damage or business interruption losses. Additionally, the Company’s facilities, machinery, and equipment may be subject to sabotage. Any of these events could cause a loss of hydrocarbons, environment pollution, personal injury or death claims, damage to the Company’s properties or damage to the properties of others. As protection against operational hazards, National Fuel maintains insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses. In addition, many of the agreements that the Company executes with contractors provide for the division of responsibilities between the contractor and the Company, and the Company seeks to obtain an indemnification from the contractor for certain of these risks. The Company is not always able, however, to secure written agreements with its contractors that contain indemnification, and sometimes the Company is required to indemnify others. Insurance or indemnification agreements when obtained may not adequately protect the Company against liability from all of the consequences of the hazards described above. The occurrence of an event not fully insured or indemnified against, the failure of a contractor to meet its indemnification obligations, or the failure of an insurance company to pay valid claims could result in substantial losses to the Company. In addition, insurance may not be available, or if available may not be adequate, to cover any or all of these risks. It is also possible that insurance premiums or other costs may rise significantly in the future, so as to make such insurance prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, such hazards, risks, insurance and indemnification may subject the Company to litigation or administrative proceedings from time to time. Such litigation or proceedings could result in substantial monetary judgments, fines or penalties against the Company or be resolved on unfavorable terms, the result of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

      Periods of slowed economic activity generally result in decreased energy consumption, particularly by industrial and large commercial companies. As a consequence, national or regional recessions or other downturns in economic activity could adversely affect National Fuel’s revenues and cash flows or restrict its future growth. Economic conditions in National Fuel’s utility service territories also impact its collections of accounts receivable.

Forward-Looking Statements

      The Company is including the following cautionary statement in this prospectus to make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, projections, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. Certain statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, including, without limitation, those which are designated with an asterisk (“*”) and those which are identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” and similar expressions, are “forward-looking” statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and accordingly involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are based on various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. The Company’s expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and are believed by the Company to have a reasonable basis, including, without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in the Company’s records and other data available from third parties, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations,

beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished. In addition to the Company Risk Factors starting at page 1 of this prospectus and other matters discussed elsewhere herein, the following are important factors that, in the view of the Company, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements:

Summary of the Plan

      Enrollment: New shareholders can join the Plan by submitting a completed enrollment form and making an initial investment of at least $1,000, which includes an enrollment fee of $15. Existing National Fuel shareholders who are not currently enrolled in the Plan can participate by submitting a completed enrollment form. If your shares are held in a brokerage account, you may participate directly by registering some or all of your shares in your name. The $15 enrollment fee does not apply to existing shareholders joining the Plan.

      Reinvestment of Dividends: You can reinvest all or a portion of your cash dividends toward the purchase of additional shares of National Fuel stock without paying brokerage commission charges. In the alternative, you can have your cash dividends paid to you by check mailed to your address, or by automatic deposit to your bank account.

      Optional Cash Investments: After you are enrolled in the Plan, you can buy additional shares of National Fuel stock without paying brokerage commission charges. You can invest a minimum of $100 at any one time, up to $120,000 in the aggregate per calendar year. You can pay by check or have your payment automatically withdrawn from your bank account.

      Full Investment: Full investment of your dividends is possible because the Company will credit your account with both whole and fractional shares. National Fuel pays dividends on both whole shares and fractional shares.

      Safekeeping of Certificates: You can deposit your National Fuel stock certificates with the Plan Administrator (as defined below) for safekeeping at no cost to you.

      Transfer of Shares: You can transfer your National Fuel shares to others.

      Sell Shares Conveniently: You can sell National Fuel stock out of your Plan account.

      Brokerage Commission Charges:

      Tracking Your Investment: You will receive a statement or a notification after each transaction you make. Statements provide the details of the transaction and show the share balance in your Plan account.

Administrator of the Plan

      National Fuel has designated The Bank of New York as administrator of the Plan (the Plan Administrator) and as agent for the participants. The Bank of New York also is the transfer agent for National Fuel’s common stock.

      The Plan Administrator will keep and maintain Plan records, serve as custodian for shares held in the Plan, send statements and perform other duties required by the Plan. The Plan Administrator may be contacted as follows:

      Make check payable to “National Fuel Gas Company” in U.S. dollars. The check must be drawn on a U.S. bank. Money orders, travelers’ checks, third-party checks and cash will not be accepted. To facilitate processing of your investment, please use the transaction stub located on the bottom of your statement or contact the Plan Administrator for the appropriate form.

Enrollment

      You are eligible to participate in the Plan if you meet the requirements outlined below. If you live outside the United States, you should first determine if there are any laws or governmental regulations that would prohibit your participation in the Plan. National Fuel reserves the right to terminate participation of any shareholder and to refuse Plan participation to any person if it deems it advisable under any foreign laws or regulations.

      If you do not currently own any National Fuel stock, you can join the Plan by making an initial investment of at least $1,000, but not more than $120,000. You can get started in the Plan by returning a completed enrollment form to the Plan Administrator along with your check payable to “National Fuel Gas Company.” A $15 enrollment fee will be deducted from your initial investment. The Plan Administrator will arrange for the purchase of shares for your account but will not pay interest on amounts held pending investment. Please allow two weeks for your account to be established, initial shares to be purchased and a statement mailed to you. (See “Purchase of Shares for the Plan” on page 11.)

      If you already own National Fuel stock and the shares are registered in your name, you may join the Plan by returning a completed enrollment form to the Plan Administrator. If you currently participate in

the Plan, you need not take any other action unless you want to make a change to your Plan account or terminate your participation.

      If your shares are held in a brokerage, bank or other intermediary account, and you wish to deposit some or all of those shares in the Plan, you should direct your broker, bank, or trustee to register such shares directly in your name. You can then get started in the Plan by returning a completed enrollment form to the Plan Administrator.

Investment Options

      Once enrolled in the Plan, you have the following choices:

      Dividend Reinvestment: You can choose to reinvest all or a portion of the regular cash dividends paid on your shares held in the Plan toward the purchase of additional shares of National Fuel stock. You can change your dividend reinvestment election at any time by notifying the Plan Administrator. For a particular dividend to be reinvested, your notification must be received prior to the record date for that dividend (the record date is normally 15 to 17 days prior to the payment date).

      If you elect to reinvest your dividends, you must choose one of the following when completing the dividend reinvestment section of the enrollment form:

      Cash Dividends: You may, of course, choose not to reinvest any of your dividends, in which case the Plan Administrator will remit all dividends to you.

      Deposit Cash Dividends Electronically: If you choose partial dividend reinvestment or no dividend reinvestment, you can have your cash dividends deposited directly into your bank account instead of receiving a check by mail. Please contact the Plan Administrator for the proper form. Direct deposit instructions will be acted upon as soon as practicable after they are received. You can change your designated bank account for direct deposit or discontinue this feature by notifying the Plan Administrator.

      Optional Cash Investments: You can purchase additional shares of National Fuel stock by using the Plan’s optional cash investment feature. You must invest at least $100 at any one time, but you cannot invest more than $120,000 in a calendar year. Interest will not be paid on amounts held pending investment.

      In the event that your optional cash investment check is returned unpaid for any reason, or your designated bank account for automatic withdrawal does not have sufficient funds for your authorized monthly deduction, the Plan Administrator will immediately remove from your account shares which were purchased in anticipation of the collection of such funds. These shares will be sold to recover any uncollected funds. If the net proceeds of the sale of such shares are insufficient to recover in full the uncollected amounts, the Plan Administrator reserves the right to sell such additional shares from any of your accounts maintained by the Plan Administrator as may be necessary to recover in full the uncollected balance. In addition, you will be charged a fee of $25 for any returned check or failed automatic withdrawal. The Plan Administrator reserves the right to sell such additional shares from any of your accounts maintained by the Plan Administrator as may be necessary to recover in full this fee.

Purchase of Shares for the Plan

      Purchase Intervals: The Plan Administrator will make arrangements to use initial and optional cash investments to purchase National Fuel shares as promptly as practical, but at least once each week. The Plan Administrator will use reinvested dividends to purchase shares on a quarterly basis. Purchases may be made over a number of days.

      Source and Pricing of Shares:

      Timing and Control: Because the Plan Administrator will arrange for the purchase of shares on behalf of the Plan, neither National Fuel nor any participant in the Plan has the authority or power to control either the timing or (except as stated above with respect to a substantial period of time in which there is no trading of National Fuel stock on the NYSE) pricing of shares purchased. Similarly, neither National Fuel nor any participant in the Plan may control the selection of the broker making the purchases. Therefore, you will not be able to precisely time your purchases through the Plan, and you will bear the market risk associated with fluctuation in the price of National Fuel stock. That is, if you send in an initial or optional cash investment, it is possible that the market price of National Fuel stock could go

up or down before the Plan Administrator purchases stock with your funds. In addition, you will not earn interest on initial or optional cash investments for the period before the shares are purchased.

Sale of Shares for the Plan

      You can sell any number of shares held in your Plan account by notifying the Plan Administrator as described below. The Plan Administrator will arrange for sales to be made at least weekly. Sales may be made more frequently if volume warrants. Sales will usually be made through a broker affiliated with The Bank of New York. The sale price will be the weighted average price of all shares sold for Plan participants on the trade date or dates. You will receive the proceeds of the sale less a sales transaction fee which is currently $15, brokerage commission charges which are currently $0.12 per share, and any required tax withholdings. If the proceeds of the sale do not exceed the sum of the sales transaction fee, brokerage commission charges and any required tax withholdings, you will not receive any part of the proceeds.

      Methods of Sale: You can notify the Plan Administrator to sell any number of shares held in your Plan account by one of the following methods:

      Please note that the Company reserves the right to instruct the Plan Administrator, in the event your total holdings fall below one share, to liquidate the fractional share, remit the proceeds to you, less applicable fees, and close your Plan account.

      Timing and Control: Because the Plan Administrator will sell the shares on behalf of the Plan, neither National Fuel nor any participant in the Plan has the authority or power to control either the timing or (except as stated above with respect to a substantial period of time in which there is no trading of National Fuel stock on the NYSE) pricing of shares sold. Similarly, neither National Fuel nor any participant in the Plan may control the selection of the broker making the sales. Therefore, you will not be able to precisely time your sales through the Plan, and you will bear the market risk associated with fluctuation in the price of National Fuel stock. That is, if you send in a request to sell shares, it is possible that the market price of National Fuel stock could go down or up before the Plan Administrator sells your shares. In addition, you will not earn interest on funds received in a sales transaction during the period between the sale and the date the funds are remitted to you.

Safekeeping of Your Stock Certificates in Book Entry Form

      Shares of National Fuel stock that you buy under the Plan will be maintained in your Plan account for safekeeping in book entry form. In addition, any National Fuel shareholder may use the Plan’s “safekeeping” service to deposit their National Fuel stock certificates into the Plan at no cost. Safekeeping is beneficial because you no longer bear the risk and cost associated with the loss, theft, or destruction of stock certificates. With safekeeping, you have the option of receiving cash dividends, reinvesting your

dividends or taking advantage of the sale of shares feature of the Plan. Certificates will be issued only upon written request to the Plan Administrator. (See “Issuance of Certificates” on page 13.)

      To use the safekeeping service, send your certificates to the Plan Administrator by registered mail, insured, with written instructions to deposit them in safekeeping. Do not endorse the certificates or complete the assignment section.

Transfer of Shares

      You can transfer National Fuel shares from your account to an existing shareholder in the Plan or to a new participant in the Plan, subject to the recipient’s $120,000 per calendar year aggregate investment limitation. In the case of an existing shareholder in the Plan, the Plan Administrator must receive a written acknowledgement signed by the existing shareholder, and in the case of a new participant in the Plan, the Plan Administrator must receive an enrollment form signed by the new participant. Your signature authorizing the transfer must be guaranteed by a financial institution participating in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), or in such other signature guarantee program as the Plan Administrator may determine in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP. STAMP and other signature guarantee programs ensure that the individual signing the transfer authorization is in fact the registered owner as it appears on the records of the Plan Administrator.

      In addition to making transfers, you may:

      If you need additional assistance, please call the Plan Administrator at (800) 648-8166.

Issuance of Certificates

      A certificate for your shares will be sent to you, free of charge, upon written request to the Plan Administrator. In addition, you can withdraw all or some of the shares from your Plan account by notifying the Plan Administrator.

      Certificates will be issued for whole shares only. In the event your request involves a fractional share, the fractional share will be sold, and you will receive a check for the net proceeds of the sale (less applicable fees). You should receive your certificate within two to three weeks of mailing your request. You should not sell your shares until you have the certificate in your hands, so that you can deliver the certificate to your buyer within the legally required time (about three days).

      Certificates will be issued in the name(s) in which the account is registered, unless otherwise instructed. If the certificate is issued in a name other than your Plan account registration, the signature on the instructions or stock power must be guaranteed by a financial institution participating in STAMP, as described previously.

Plan Service Fees

      The Plan Administrator will deduct the applicable fees from either the initial investment or proceeds from a sale.

Tracking Your Investments

      If you participate in dividend reinvestment, the Plan Administrator will mail you a quarterly statement showing all transactions (shares, amounts invested, purchase prices) for your account including year-to-date and other account information. Supplemental statements or notices will be sent when you make an initial or optional cash investment or a deposit, transfer or withdrawal of shares.

      If you do not participate in dividend reinvestment, the Plan Administrator will mail you a statement or notice confirming any transactions you make.

      Please retain your statements to establish the cost basis of shares purchased under the Plan for income tax and other purposes.

      You should notify the Plan Administrator promptly of any change in address since all notices, statements and reports will be mailed to your address of record.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Information

      The following summary is based upon interpretations of current federal tax law. It is important for you to consult your own tax advisers to determine particular tax consequences, including state income tax (and other taxes, such as stock transfer tax) consequences, which vary from state to state and which may result from participation in the Plan and subsequent disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the Plan. If you reside outside the United States, income tax consequences will vary depending upon the jurisdiction in which you reside.

      Cash dividends received under the Plan will be taxable as having been received by you even if you reinvest them and do not actually receive them in cash. If you reinvest dividends, your quarterly statement from the Plan Administrator will indicate the amount of gross dividends paid, which is reported to the IRS as dividend income, and the amount of net dividends reinvested (after payment of any service fees and withholding of any income taxes). The statement will also reflect any brokerage commission charges paid by National Fuel on your behalf for purchases of shares.

      The amount of the gross cash dividends received by you will be taxable as a dividend to the extent of National Fuel’s current or accumulated earnings and profits. To the extent the distribution is in excess of National Fuel’s current or accumulated earnings and profits, the distribution will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital, reducing the tax basis in your shares, and the distribution in excess of your tax basis will be taxable as gain realized from the sale of its shares.

      Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends under the Plan will have a tax basis equal to the amount of the net cash dividends reinvested in such shares plus the amount of any brokerage commissions paid on your behalf.

      You will not realize gain or loss for U.S. Federal income tax purposes upon the transfer of shares to the Plan or the withdrawal of whole shares from the Plan. You will, however, generally realize gain or loss upon the sale of shares (including the receipt of cash for fractional shares) held in the Plan.

      The amount of any such gain or loss will be the difference between the amount that you received for the shares or fractional shares and the tax basis thereof.

      If you fail to provide certain federal income tax certifications in the manner required by law, dividends, proceeds from the sale of fractional shares and proceeds from the sale of shares held for your account will be subject to federal income tax withholding at the applicable rate. If withholding is required for any reason, the appropriate amount of tax will be withheld. Certain shareholders (including most corporations) are, however, exempt from the above withholding requirements.

      If you are a foreign shareholder, your dividends are subject to federal income tax withholding at the treaty rate. If applicable, the appropriate amount will be withheld and the balance in shares will be credited to your account.

Description of Common Stock

      The following description of National Fuel’s common stock is a summary and is qualified by reference to the terms and provisions of National Fuel’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (Restated Certificate of Incorporation), its By-Laws, and the Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between National Fuel and HSBC Bank USA, as supplemented by a Certificate of Adjustment dated September 7, 2001 (Rights Agreement), which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement to which this prospectus relates and incorporated herein by reference. Reference is also made to the indenture dated as of October 15, 1974, as supplemented (1974 Indenture), between National Fuel and The Bank of New York, as trustee. (The 1974 Indenture includes a limitation on the payment of dividends, as described below under “Dividend Rights.” The Company’s other indenture, dated as of October 1, 1999, between National Fuel and The Bank of New York, contains no such limitation.)

      No shares of preferred stock of National Fuel are currently outstanding. However, the Board of Directors of National Fuel has the ability to issue one or more series of preferred stock from time to time. The actual effect of the preferred stock upon the rights of the holders of National Fuel’s common stock will not be known until National Fuel’s Board of Directors determines the respective rights of the holders of one or more series of preferred stock. Such effects, however, might include: (a) restrictions on dividends on National Fuel’s common stock if dividends on the preferred stock are in arrears; (b) dilution of the voting power of National Fuel’s common stock; (c) restrictions on the rights of the holders of National Fuel’s common stock to share in National Fuel’s assets upon liquidation due to satisfaction of any liquidation preference granted to the preferred stock; and (d) dilution of rights of holders of National Fuel’s common stock to share in National Fuel’s assets upon liquidation if the preferred stock is participating with respect to distributions upon such liquidation.

      Dividend Rights: The holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as declared by the Board of Directors, out of funds legally available for the purpose and subject to a limitation in the 1974 Indenture. The 1974 Indenture prohibits the payment of cash dividends on, and the purchase or redemption of, common stock if the cumulative dividends on and amounts paid for purchase or redemption of common or preferred stock since December 31, 1967 exceed or would exceed consolidated net income

available for dividends for that same period plus $10 million plus any additional amount authorized or approved, upon application of National Fuel, by the SEC.

      The Board of Directors’ ability to declare dividends on common stock may also be limited by the rights and preferences of certain series of preferred stock, which may be issued from time to time, and by the terms of instruments defining the rights of holders of outstanding indebtedness of National Fuel.

      Voting Rights and Classification of the Board of Directors: The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share. The affirmative vote of the majority of the votes cast by the holders of the common stock is required for the merger or consolidation of National Fuel or for the sale of substantially all of its assets. The Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each with, as nearly as possible, an equal number of directors.

      Liquidation Rights: Upon any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of National Fuel, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive pro rata all of National Fuel’s assets and funds remaining after payment of or provision for creditors and subject to the rights and preferences of each series of preferred stock.

      Preemptive Rights: Holders of common stock and any series of preferred stock that may be issued have no preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any shares of capital stock of National Fuel.

      Common Stock Purchase Rights: The holders of the common stock have one right for each of their shares. Each right, which will initially be evidenced by the common stock certificates representing the outstanding shares of common stock, entitles the holder to purchase one-half of one share of common stock at a purchase price of $65.00 per share, being $32.50 per half share, subject to adjustment (Purchase Price).

      The rights become exercisable upon the occurrence of a distribution date. At any time following a distribution date, each holder of a right may exercise its right to receive common stock (or, under certain circumstances, other property of National Fuel) having a value equal to two times the Purchase Price of the right then in effect. However, the rights are subject to redemption or exchange by National Fuel prior to their exercise as described below.

      A distribution date would occur upon the earlier of:

      In certain situations after a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the total voting power of National Fuel’s stock as described above, each holder of a right will have the right to exercise its rights to receive common stock of the acquiring company having a value equal to two times the Purchase Price of the right then in effect. These situations would arise if National Fuel is acquired in a merger or other business combination or if 50% or more of National Fuel’s assets or earning power are sold or transferred.

      At any time prior to the end of business on the tenth day following the announcement that a person or group has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the total voting power of National Fuel, National Fuel may redeem the rights in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.005 per right, payable in cash, stock or other assets. A decision to redeem the rights requires the vote of 75% of National Fuel’s full Board of Directors. Also, at any time following the announcement that a person or group has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the total voting power of National Fuel, 75% of National Fuel’s full Board of Directors may vote to exchange

the rights, in whole or in part, at an exchange rate of one share of common stock, or other property deemed to have the same value, per right, subject to certain adjustments.

      After a distribution date, rights that are owned by an acquiring person will be null and void. Upon exercise of the rights, National Fuel may need additional regulatory approvals to satisfy the requirements of the Rights Agreement. The rights will expire on July 31, 2008, unless they are exchanged or redeemed earlier than that date.

      The rights have anti-takeover effects because they will cause substantial dilution of the common stock if a person attempts to acquire National Fuel on terms not approved by the Board of Directors.

      Business Combinations: National Fuel’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that certain conditions must be met before the consummation of any merger or other business combination by National Fuel or any of its subsidiaries with any stockholder who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of 5% or more of National Fuel’s outstanding common stock (substantial stockholder) or with an affiliate of any substantial stockholder. The term substantial stockholder does not include National Fuel, any of its subsidiaries, or any trustee holding common stock of National Fuel for the benefit of the employees of National Fuel or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to one or more employee benefit plans or arrangements. The conditions, which are in addition to those otherwise required by law, prescribe the minimum amount per share that must be paid to holders of common stock and the form of consideration paid, and require that the holders of common stock be furnished certain information about the business combination prior to voting on it. A business combination, as defined in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, generally means any of the following transactions:

      The approval of at least three-fourths of the entire Board of Directors or, in the event that the Board of Directors consists of directors elected by the holders of preferred stock, the approval of a majority of the entire Board, is required to amend or repeal the classified board or business combination provisions contained in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

      Listing: The common stock is, and will be, listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

      Transfer Agent and Registrar: The transfer agent and registrar for the common stock is The Bank of New York.

Miscellaneous

      Available Information/ Incorporation of Documents by Reference: National Fuel files annual, quarterly and other reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information National Fuel files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. You can obtain additional information about the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

      In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including National Fuel. National Fuel also maintains an Internet site (http://www.nationalfuelgas.com). Information contained on National Fuel’s Internet site does not constitute part of this prospectus.

      The SEC allows National Fuel to “incorporate by reference” the information that National Fuel files with the SEC, which means that National Fuel can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents in this prospectus. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. National Fuel is incorporating by reference the documents listed below and any future documents that are filed by National Fuel with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act) until National Fuel sells all of these securities. In addition, all documents filed by National Fuel under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement to which this prospectus relates and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement are also incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Any of National Fuel’s future filings under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act will update, supersede and replace the information contained in any documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus at the time of the future filings.

      (a) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004;

      (b) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2004;

      (c) Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 12, 2004;

      (d) Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 14, 2004;

      (e) Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 22, 2004; and

      (f) Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 18, 2005.

      Upon request National Fuel will provide, without charge, a copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference in this document (other than exhibits to such documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Your requests for copies should be directed to National Fuel Investor Relations, 6363 Main Street, Williamsville, New York 14221 (Telephone: (716) 857-6987).

      You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement. National Fuel has authorized no one to provide you with different information. National Fuel is not making an offer to sell its stock or soliciting offers to buy its stock in any state or country where the offer or solicitation is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or a prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of such document or that the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document incorporated by reference.

      Stock Splits, Stock Dividends and Other Distributions: In the event dividends are paid in National Fuel common stock, or if National Fuel common stock is distributed in connection with any stock split or similar transaction, each account will be adjusted to reflect the receipt of the common stock so paid or distributed.

      Voting of Proxies: National Fuel will mail you proxy materials including a proxy card representing both the shares for which you hold certificates and the shares, full and fractional, in your Plan account. The proxy will be voted as indicated by you. If you do not return your signed proxy card or otherwise cast your vote in accordance with the instructions in the proxy package, none of your shares will be voted.

      Responsibility of National Fuel Gas Company and the Plan Administrator: Neither National Fuel Gas Company nor the Plan Administrator will be liable for any act it does in good faith or for any good faith omission to act. This includes, without limitation, any claims of liability:

      The payment of dividends is at the discretion of National Fuel’s Board of Directors and will depend upon future earnings, the financial condition of National Fuel Gas Company and other factors. The Board may change the amount and timing of dividends at any time without notice.

      Neither National Fuel Gas Company nor the Plan Administrator can assure you a profit or protect you against a loss on the shares you purchase under the Plan.

      Legal Matters: Stryker, Tams & Dill LLP has given its opinion regarding the legality of the common stock covered by this prospectus and the valid issuance of the common stock purchase rights appurtenant to the common stock covered by this prospectus.

      Plan Modification or Termination: National Fuel reserves the right to suspend, modify or terminate the Plan at any time. You will receive notice of any such suspension, modification or termination. National Fuel and the Plan Administrator also reserve the right to change any administrative procedures of the Plan.

      Change of Eligibility; Termination: National Fuel reserves the right to deny, suspend or terminate participation by a shareholder who is using the Plan for purposes inconsistent with the intended purpose of the Plan. In such event, the Plan Administrator will notify you in writing and will continue to safekeep your shares but will no longer accept optional cash investments or reinvest your dividends. The Plan Administrator will issue a certificate to you for your shares upon written request.

      Foreign Participation: If you live outside the United States, you should first determine if there are any laws or governmental regulations that would prohibit your participation in the Plan. National Fuel reserves the right to terminate participation of any shareholder and to refuse Plan participation to any person if it deems it advisable under any foreign laws or regulations.

      Experts: The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

      National Fuel’s Annual Report on Form 10-K includes information relating to oil and natural gas reserves of Seneca Resources Corporation and Seneca Energy Canada, Inc., wholly-owned subsidiaries of National Fuel. Ralph E. Davis Associates, Inc., as an expert in petroleum engineering, has issued audit reports regarding that information.

National Fuel Gas Company

6363 Main Street

Williamsville, New York 14221

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

      Article Ninth of National Fuel’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides as follows:

      Article II, Paragraph 8 of the By-Laws of National Fuel provides as follows:

“INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.

      (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

      (b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

      Each director and/or officer of the registrant whose signature appears below hereby appoints the agents for service named in this registration statement, and each of them severally, as his attorney-in-fact to sign in his name and on his behalf, in any and all capacities stated below, and to file with the SEC, any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to this registration statement, and the registrant hereby also appoints each such agent for service as its attorney-in-fact with the authority to sign and file any such amendments in its name and behalf.

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the Town of Amherst, State of New York, on the 29th day of March, 2005.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.

EXHIBIT INDEX