EUROPE GAS - Prices trade within a narrow band amid cold weather and storage concerns
The Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas traded in a narrow band on Wednesday morning. They remained near their 15-month peak seen earlier this week amid a cold weather forecast and concern over the storage build. According to LSEG, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was almost flat at 52.30 Euros per megawatt-hour (15.93/mmBtu) by 0949 GMT. The contract reached a high intra-day of 54.61 euro/MWh Monday. This is its highest level since 2023, and it has increased by over 30% since mid-December. The Dutch day-ahead contract increased by 0.37 euros to 52.65 Euro/MWh.
Prices for Europe GAS fall due to mixed temperatures and strong renewable output
The wholesale gas prices in the Netherlands and Britain fell on Tuesday, reversing a 15-month peak reached the previous session due to mixed weather forecasts and a higher renewable production. According to LSEG, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was down by 1.18 euros at 52.57 Euro per Megawatt-Hour (MWh) or $15.91/mmBtu at 1235 GMT. On Monday, the contract reached its highest intra-day level of 54.61 euro/MWh. This is its highest level since November 2023. The Dutch April contract is down by 2.00 euros at 51.65 Euro/MWh. The front-month contract in Britain fell by 3.77 pence to 127.28 pence per therm.
EUROPE GAS Prices fall on profit-taking and mixed temperatures outlook
Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas fell on Tuesday morning due to profit-taking. Prices had reached a new 15-month-high on Monday, amid mixed weather forecasts for this week. According to LSEG, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was lower by 0.65 euros at 53.10 Euro per Megawatt-hour (MWh) or $16.10/mmBtu at 0925 GMT. On Monday, the contract reached its highest intra-day level of 54.61 euro/MWh. This is its highest level since November 2023. Engie EnergyScan analysts said that prices fell on Tuesday due to profit-taking, but the market is still strong. The Dutch April contract is down by 0.45 euros at 53.20 Euro/MWh.
EIA expects higher wholesale electricity prices in the U.S. by 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts higher wholesale electricity prices in 2025 for all regions of the United States, except Texas and Northwest. In a report released on Monday, the EIA stated that wholesale power prices may average $40 per Megawatt Hour (MWh) in 2019. This would represent 7% more than 2024. The EIA predicted that the average cost of electricity in U.S. households would rise by 2% without accounting for inflation. Southwest and California are expected to see the biggest increases in wholesale prices with an increase of 30% to 35%.
Six US LNG cargoes diverted to Europe by LNG traders
Analysts and shipping data indicate that traders diverted six cargoes of LNG bound for Asia into Europe in the first half of this month due to higher European prices, and weaker Asian demand. Weather forecasts indicate lower temperatures for northwest Europe. Data from analytics firm Kpler revealed that the vessels were loaded in America and initially headed for China, South Korea Thailand and Singapore. Between Jan. 8-14, the vessels changed course in the Atlantic Ocean and were destined for Europe. The diversions occur because Asian prices don't keep a sufficient premium over European prices to attract the cargoes…
Prices rise on increased demand for electricity and uncertainty about Russian flows
Dutch and British wholesale prices for gas rose on Friday, as a result of a surge in demand from power plants and a decrease in wind speed. There is also uncertainty over Russian gas supplies to Europe due to the imminent end of the Ukraine transit agreement. The benchmark contract for the Dutch TTF hub rose by 0.30 euros to 43.58 euro per megawatt-hour (MWh), which is $13.68/mmBtu by 0955 GMT. Meanwhile, the contract for the next day was up 0.75 euros at 43.40 euro/MWh. The day-ahead contract in Britain was 1.2 p higher, at 107.60 pence per therm.
NW Europe Fuel oil Imports at 3-year High
A rush to replenish scarce supply of high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) pushed Northwest European imports of residual fuel oil to their highest in three years in November, analysts told Reuters.The Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) area, Europe's main trading and refining hub, received around 450,000 barrels per day (bpd) of all types of fuel oil in November, the highest monthly volume since November 2021.That compared with an average of 332,000 bpd over January-October this year, according to trade analytics firm Kpler.Residual fuel oil is one of the key products refined from crude oil and is widely used in the maritime and construction industries.
In 2025, the global diesel price will be supported by refinery closures
Analysts and traders said that the global diesel market would likely see a price boost in 2025 due to the closing of around 1% of the refining capacity. This will offset the current weakness of the market and the structural downward pressure caused by the shift towards cleaner fuels. Markets end 2024 in a shaky state, despite the peak season demand. Margins in key energy hubs around the world, such as Singapore, Northwest Europe, and the Gulf of the United States, have fallen from November's high levels, due to the return of some refineries after maintenance shutdowns.
US Diesel Exports to ARA Set to Rise
Diesel shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe's main trading and refining hub, the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) region, are set to rise owing to improving export margins on the back of scarce supply in Europe and rising U.S. refinery production, according to traders and ship tracking data.Europe is seeking higher transatlantic diesel imports, as weaker export margins for shipments from east of Suez slowed flows on that route in the last two months. Rising European gasoil demand also prompted higher transatlantic imports.Independently held gasoil stocks in ARA fell for the third consecutive week on Thursday to 2.13 million tons…
Document shows that the EU Commission has set a 50% storage target by February 2025.
The European Commission announced on Friday that Europe had set a target to have its gas storage 50% full by February 1, 2025. This is to ensure supply security amid cold weather forecasts and fears of Russian gas disruption. It is important to ensure that the gas supplies of the EU do not fall too low during the winter months, and that the supply remains stable in light of the end expected for Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine's transit route. The goal of setting the target for February to an average minimum around 50% is to strengthen the security of the gas supply…
Prices for gas in Europe are not much different despite the cold weather forecast
Analysts said that the Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas were not much different on Thursday, but could rise due to forecasts for colder weather conditions and reduced wind speeds. By 0922 GMT, the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub had fallen by 0.10 euros to 46.41 Euro per megawatt hour or MWh (or $14.60/mmbtu). The Dutch day-ahead contract fell 0.20 euros, to 46.40 Euros/MWh. The day-ahead contract in Britain fell 1.15 pence, to 115.27 pence per therm. Ulrich Weber, LSEG analyst, says that a significant…
EUROPE GAS prices hit an all-time high amid cold weather and supply concerns
Dutch and British wholesale prices for gas hit an intraday record on Thursday, amid concerns about the Russian storage and supply inventories falling below last year's levels and a forecast of cold weather. LSEG data show that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub had risen 0.86 euros to 47.67 euros a megawatt hour at 1012 GMT. This was a new intraday high. The British day-ahead contract increased 2.15 pence, to 119.25 pence per thermo, the highest intraday levels since November 2023. Analysts at Engie’s EnergyScan stated in a morning report that "concerns about EU gas stock...
Prices of EUROPE Gas are lower as Middle East Risk Premiums recede
Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas fell on Monday, as the market reduced its Middle East premium following Israel's weekend retaliation attack against Iran and forecasts for milder weather. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month gas contract at Dutch TTF hub dropped by 1.25 Euros to 42.25 Euros per megawatt hour by 0915 GMT. The front-month contract in the British market fell 2.75 pence, to 107.25 p/therm. And the day-ahead was down by 1.75 pence. Analysts at ING said that gas prices could trade lower today, as the markets are of the opinion that the Middle East may deescalate following the events over the weekend.
EUROPE GAS-Prices trade at narrow range amid mild weather forecast and low demand
Dutch and British wholesale price rose slightly, but were contained to a small range on Monday morning due to lower demand. LSEG data shows that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF hub increased by 0.87 euros to 40.22 Euro per megawatt hour at 0934 GMT. The contract for December was 0.25 euros higher, at 40.00 Euro/MWh. The day-ahead contract in the British market was up 2.25 cents at 98.50 pennies per therm. LSEG data shows that the average temperature in Northwest Europe was 4 degrees Celsius higher than the normal seasonal average. The weather will remain mild through October.
Alcoa and Ignis are close to signing a joint funding agreement for Spain's aluminium plant
Alcoa announced on Wednesday that it is "progressing", towards a strategic agreement of cooperation with the Spanish renewable energy company Ignis, to fund the operations of the U.S. Metal Producer's aluminum plant in northwest Spain. Alcoa announced that the proposed agreement would see Alcoa contribute 75 million Euros ($81 million), and Ignis make an initial 25 million Euro investment, giving Ignis 25% ownership of San Ciprian in Galicia. Alcoa, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, said it would provide up to 100 million more euros if needed, prioritizing future cash flows. Alcoa will share any additional funding with Ignis in a 75-25 split.
Canada regulator suspends Imperial's application to extend Norman Wells oil permits
The Canada Energy Regulator announced on Tuesday that Imperial Oil has put its application to extend life of the remote Norman Wells oil-and-gas facility in Canada's Northwest Territories on hold until a report on environmental assessment is completed. The Norman Wells site is located on nine islands, both natural and artificial in the Mackenzie River (Canada's longest river) and near the town of Norman Wells. Imperial, owned by Exxon Mobil Corp., requested last year that its Norman Wells Operating Permit, due to expire Dec. 31, 2024, be extended by an additional 10 years.
The UK has committed up to $28.5 billion for carbon capture projects
The government announced on Friday that it will invest up to 21.7 billion pounds (up to $28.5 billion) in 25 years for the development of carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions from energy, industry, and hydrogen production. Britain has set a target of achieving net zero emissions in 2050. CCS is needed to reduce emissions from industries that are energy-intensive and to create jobs. In a press release, Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that "this game-changing technology" will bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Merseyside & Teesside as well as billions of dollars of private investment.
Britain has pledged up to 21,7 billion pounds for cleaner energy
The government announced on Friday that it will invest up to 28.46 billion pounds (21.7 billion pounds) in the development of carbon capture and storage and hydrogen technology for northern England. Britain has set a target of achieving net zero emissions in 2050. CCS is needed to reduce emissions from industries that are energy-intensive and to create jobs. The Chancellor of Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated that "this game-changing technology" will create 4,000 jobs in communities in Merseyside, and Teesside. This will ignite growth in these industrial corelands and power up the rest the country.
Cuba and Florida prepare for Tropical Storm Helene's impact
The U.S. National Weather Service reported that Tropical Storm Helene will cause mudslides, flooding and major hurricane-like conditions in Cuba. It is then expected to reach major hurricane status on Thursday when it reaches Florida with a life-threatening ocean tide. The National Hurricane Center in Miami said that Helene was moving northwest at a speed of 45 mph with sustained winds up to 72 kph. Forecasters say Helene is expected to strengthen rapidly over the warm waters of Gulf of Mexico, resulting in a major hurricane with winds up to 115 mph. State and national authorities in the U.S.
The price of gasoline in Europe is rising due to concerns about Middle East tensions
Dutch and British wholesale prices of gas edged up on Monday morning due to concerns about the Middle East conflict escalation. Israel is increasing its attacks on Lebanon and Yemen. However, strong storage inventories limited further upside potential. LSEG data show that the benchmark front-month contract for the Dutch TTF Hub was up 0.77 euros at 38.88 Euros per Megawatt Hour (MWh), which is $12.68 mmBtu by 0823 GMT. The contract for November was up by 0.50 euros, at 39.15 Euro/MWh. The front-month contract on the British market was 1,76 pence more expensive, at 39.50 cents per therm.
