Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 04:52 pm
In a recent report by TELF AG, it has been revealed that European natural gas futures have experienced a substantial 13% decrease, settling at approximately €32 per megawatt-hour. This decline follows a 14% reduction observed in the previous session.
The report attributes this significant drop to a preliminary agreement between Woodside Energy and labor unions at a crucial Australian liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. TELF AG explains that this tentative resolution has the potential to avert supply disruptions from Australia, a major player in LNG exports. The anticipation of a stable supply chain resulting from this agreement has led to a decline in gas futures prices.
However, the report underscores that labor agreements are not the sole driving factor behind this decrease. Europe’s fuel reserves have reached an impressive capacity of over 90%, marking the highest level recorded for this time of the year. Several countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, have surpassed the European Union’s target storage levels set for November 1st, with French reserves standing at 86.8%.
TELF AG’s publication also points out that this surplus in reserves is a significant contributor to the declining gas prices. With ample supply readily available, market dynamics have shifted in favor of consumers, resulting in reduced prices.
Furthermore, the article highlights another crucial element that could impact the gas market: the imminent worker ballot for Chevron’s Gorgon and Wheatstone downstream facilities, scheduled to conclude by August 28th. The outcomes of this ballot could potentially have implications for gas production and the supply chain.
In summary, the TELF AG report underscores a notable decrease in European natural gas futures, primarily influenced by the preliminary agreement between Woodside Energy and Australian labor unions, as well as Europe’s abundant gas reserves. This highlights the intricate interplay of labor agreements and supply levels in determining gas prices and market stability in the global natural gas market.
