European natural gas prices rise as Trump pressures Iran to negotiate on the agreement

European natural gas prices rose as U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a tougher military response to Iran and tried to push for negotiations to end the war that has disrupted global energy markets.

Benchmark futures prices were up as much as 5% at one point, after falling a cumulative 15% over the previous four trading sessions. On Thursday, with progress on the talks still uncertain, Trump urged Iran to begin negotiations as soon as possible. Earlier, the White House insisted that peaceful talks were still ongoing, while Iran publicly rejected the U.S. outreach.

In a report, Inspired said that “hopes for diplomatic breakthroughs” have weakened, which supports the bullish signal for natural gas prices. “Another round of missile and drone clashes in the Gulf region continues to cast a shadow over the outlook.”

The war is nearing the end of its fourth week, leading to a reduction in global LNG supply by about one-fifth. Europe will need to step up fuel purchases this summer to replenish natural gas reserves that fall short as inventories run out, in preparation for next winter, while also facing intense competition from Asia—Asia is entering the peak period for air-conditioning electricity demand.

European gas benchmark, Dutch front-month futures, rose 4.2% to €55.02 per megawatt-hour.

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责任编辑：刘明亮