European natural gas futures fell to €42.2 per MMBtu on Friday, surrendering part of the previous session’s gains amid hopes that a Middle East peace agreement could ease supply disruptions. President Donald Trump said the next round of talks between the US and Iran could take place over the weekend and voiced confidence that the conflict may be approaching a resolution.
Further supporting this view, a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel took effect on Thursday. Still, control of the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial corridor for roughly one-fifth of global LNG shipments—remains a flashpoint, with a US blockade of Iranian ports still in force.
Traders also attributed the price decline to reduced demand from Asian buyers, including China, which has eased competition for LNG cargoes. In addition, analysts noted that the world’s largest LNG facility, in Qatar, is unlikely to return to full capacity before August, even if restart efforts begin in May.
