Live Updates > Live Update Details
2026-02-19 17:33:13
[US-Iran Tensions Impact LNG Shipping, European Gas Prices Jump] ⑴ On Thursday, wholesale gas prices in the Netherlands and the UK surged, primarily driven by concerns that escalating US-Iran tensions could disrupt liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Data showed that near-month natural gas futures contracts at the Dutch TTF hub rose €3.25 to €32.70 per megawatt-hour. ⑵ Iran issued an aviation notice on Thursday announcing plans for rocket launches in several southern regions, while the US has deployed warships in the vicinity. Despite talks held in Geneva on Tuesday, the US indicated significant differences remain. Analysts at ING pointed out that Middle East geopolitical risks are pushing up gas prices, with the market particularly concerned about potential disruptions to LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key export route for Qatar, the world's second-largest supplier. ⑶ However, weather forecasts indicate that Europe will experience milder weather starting this weekend, somewhat alleviating the upward pressure from geopolitical factors. Current EU gas storage inventory levels are 32.5%, lower than 43.3% at the same time last year. (4) In response to rising energy costs, the Italian government approved a measure on Wednesday aimed at limiting the price difference between domestic natural gas and the TTF benchmark. In the carbon market, benchmark contract prices rose slightly to €71.65 per tonne, finding support around €70 after last week's sharp sell-off.
