Europe's Gas Prices Soar as Hormuz Deal Hopes Fizzle
European natural gas prices surged on Monday as talks between Iran and Oman to reopen the Strait of Hormuz failed to convince traders that a deal would lead to a quick resumption of global LNG flows.
Benchmark futures rose more than 10% in response, with Dutch front-month futures increasing to €61.24 a megawatt-hour by 6:02 p.m. in Amsterdam.
The discussions between Iran and Oman have been ongoing, but Iran's recent statement that an agreement was 'very close' has tempered hopes for a swift restoration of flows.
US President Donald Trump indicated he's prepared to let economic pressure on Iran build rather than launch fresh military strikes to force a reopening of the strait.