empty
23.11.2021 05:53 PM
Gas prices are rising again

European natural gas futures rose on Tuesday after the US imposed the further sanctions in connection with Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which the Kremlin considers illegal

Gas prices are rising again

Rising oil prices in response to plans by the US and other oil-consuming countries to use their strategic reserves also gave extra impetus to natural gas prices.

This image is no longer relevant

Benchmark European gas futures soared by 9.5% to 92 euros per megawatt-hour, while the UK equivalent rose by 9.4% to 231 pence per therm.

Although any actions against the Russian pipeline could raise concerns about the regularity and sufficiency of supply, sanctions are likely to be imposed too late. After all, construction of the pipeline was completed in September, and the first of the two strings has already been filled with gas. Meanwhile, the US government has already issued fines aimed at the project, which has progressed despite the efforts of its Western counterparts.

For example, in August, the US imposed sanctions on two Russian companies for their involvement in the construction of the Nord Stream-2 pipeline, as well as on a ship that was involved in the construction of the line. At the time, the move had a limited impact on European gas prices, without overshadowing major OPEC news. Now analysts believe the new fines probably will not stimulate rise in futures in the long run.

Katya Yefimova, senior fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Research said that in her view those new sanctions would not affect gas prices as the pipeline had already been built.

She noted that the Biden administration was required to send a sanctions report to Congress every three months. So action against the ship, which is believed to be Russian, was expected. The US decision not to penalize another ship that is affiliated with the German government shows that the White House does not want to antagonize Chancellor Angela Merkel's administration.

Despite this fact, last week the start of the line was halted after Germany's energy regulator disrupted the certification process of the Swiss pipeline operator, resulting in 15% rise in European prices.

The volume of gas flowing into its network in the UK increased sharply this week, easing concerns about short-term supply.

Nevertheless, Asia increased its imports of liquefied natural gas to record levels since February, adding a bullish factor to European prices. According to market economists, while European LNG imports have grown over the past two months, increased imports to Asia are likely to reduce the resource availability to Europe.

It is probably a short-term spike. Besides, once the US releases its strategic reserves, energy prices are likely to reduce significantly. It is bad news for Russia, expecting an inflated price for energy resources on the market, which would allow it to fill a gap in the budget.

Egor Danilov,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Trump Pulls Strings, Stock Market Reacts With Crash

Auto Stocks Fall After Trump's Latest Tariff Blow Advanced Micro Devices Falls After Brokerage Downgrade Weekly Jobless Claims Total 224,000 Dollar Rises Against Canadian Dollar, Mexican Peso S&P 500 -0.33%

Thomas Frank 07:36 2025-03-28 UTC+2

New Tariffs on Cars: How They Will Hit the Stock Market and Automakers

The U.S. stock market faced pressure after 25% tariffs on imported cars were announced. President Donald Trump signed an executive order introducing new duties on foreign-manufactured automobiles starting this April

Ekaterina Kiseleva 23:44 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes rise: GameStop bets on crypto, Trump on tariffs

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to announce new auto tariffs in the near future. Dollar Tree shares rose following the sale of its Family Dollar business. GameStop stock surged

11:15 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 27

US President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on auto imports, triggering a sharp sell-off in equity markets. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices fell as investors grew concerned about escalating

Ekaterina Kiseleva 11:02 2025-03-27 UTC+2

Stakes Rise: GameStop Plays Crypto, Trump Plays Tariffs

Trump Set to Announce Auto Tariffs Soon, Report Says Dollar Tree Rises on Family Dollar Business Sale GameStop Rises on Bitcoin Bet, Higher Q4 Profit Nikkei Falls 1%, South Korean

Thomas Frank 08:04 2025-03-27 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 26

Top banks are split on the S&P 500 outlook: the market remains in a zone of uncertainty. The S&P 500 is holding above a key level, but the rally lacks

Irina Maksimova 10:47 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US indices rise despite KB Home

On Tuesday, the US stock market showed moderate growth: shares of the giant Apple rushed up, while Nvidia shares went down. Investors closely reacted to fresh data on public sentiment

Thomas Frank 09:02 2025-03-26 UTC+2

US Market News Digest for March 25

Yesterday, the S&P 500 unexpectedly put on a show, jumping 1.76% to reach 5,769, a level last seen on January 13th. As if following a well-rehearsed script, the Marlin oscillator

Natalia Andreeva 11:50 2025-03-25 UTC+2

Gold Rally, Crypto Boost: March Becomes Market Breakout Month

S&P Composite PMI at 53.5 in March vs. 51.6 in February Lockheed Martin Falls After Brokerage Downgrade Crypto Stocks Rise on Bitcoin Gains European Stocks Rise Ahead of Key German

Thomas Frank 10:57 2025-03-25 UTC+2

Market at crossroads: falling Dow Transports and rising Europe

The Dow Jones Transportation Average has dropped more than 17% from its November peak. Meanwhile, European equities are climbing ahead of upcoming business activity surveys. Next week brings key reports

12:39 2025-03-24 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.