29 March 2024
Pricewatch | 22 May 2020 | Gas Matters Today
Publication date: 22 May 2020
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UK and European wholesale gas prices collapsed on Thursday on lower demand fears. June-dated contracts on UK NBP and Dutch TTF both lost 14% to settle at the equivalent of USD 1.13/MMBtu and USD 1.23/MMBtu, respectively, plunging them further into record-low territory. Lower gas demand sentiment was fuelled by forecasts of stronger wind power generation and warmer weather across the UK and western Europe, which overshadowed potential support from reports of rising US LNG cargo cancellations.
Markedly lower European gas prices widened the ‘American premium’ for natural gas, as US benchmark Henry Hub fell less sharply by 3.4% to close at USD 1.71/MMBtu on Thursday. The NBP discount on Henry Hub is now USD 0.58/MMBtu, equivalent to one third of the US gas price and 51% of NBP.
The crude oil price recovery slowed yesterday, as July-dated contracts on Brent and WTI gained 0.9% and 1.3% on Thursday to close at USD 36.06/barrel and USD 33.92/barrel, respectively. This saw both hit new 10-week highs.
Front-month futures and indexes at last close with day-on-day changes (click to enlarge):
Time references based on London GMT. Brent, WTI, NBP, TTF and EU CO2 data from ICE. Henry Hub, JKM and API2 data from CME. Prices in USD/MMBtu based on exchange rates at last market close. All monetary values rounded to nearest whole cent/penny. Text and graphic copyright © Gas Strategies, all rights reserved.