For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Natural Gas Prices in North America
- In USA, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 23.17% quarter-over-quarter, amid oversupply, weak demand.
- The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 2502.67/ 1000 mmBtu, amid export demand.
- Natural Gas Spot Price volatility rose on export swings and weather disruptions, tightening trading conditions.
- Natural Gas Price Forecast models tightened after stronger LNG nominations and intermittent regional cold snaps.
- Natural Gas Production Cost Trend stayed subdued as drilling efficiency lowered breakevens, encouraging high deliverability.
- Natural Gas Demand Outlook weakened as milder temperatures and increased renewables reduced power-sector consumption notably.
- Inventory builds and elevated exports counterbalanced, leaving the Natural Gas Price Index rangebound amid volatility.
- Major U.S. producer activity remained robust with elevated rig counts, slightly capping near-term price recoveries.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in March 2026 in North America?
- Abundant shale production and elevated rig activity overwhelmed demand, creating persistent oversupply across U.S. basins.
- Stronger LNG feedgas demand tightened balances intermittently but did not fully offset domestic supply surpluses.
- Pipeline constraints, freeze-offs and mild weather shifted flows, causing short-term volatility without sustained upward pressure.
Natural Gas Prices in APAC
- In China, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 18.93% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample inbound supply pressure
- The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 3325.33/ 1000 mmBtu as reported by assessments
- Natural Gas Spot Price weakened as coastal terminals filled, inventories rose and import throughput expanded, compressing short-term margins
- Natural Gas Price Forecast revised downward for summer on surplus regas capacity and muted industrial consumption recovery expectations
- Natural Gas Production Cost Trend remained stable, domestic output high and transportation costs unchanged, limiting upward price pressure
- Natural Gas Demand Outlook subdued as chemical and power sector offtake softened amid warmer temperatures and holiday slowdowns
- Natural Gas Price Index remained volatile, geopolitical LNG risks supported premiums despite abundant domestic flows and storage rebuild
- Export demand muted, major regasification ramps increased throughput while suppliers discounted prompt offers to clear inventories
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Ample LNG inflows and expanded regas capacity increased supply, overwhelming seasonal demand and pressuring domestic price settlements
- Rising global LNG freight and insurance costs lifted landed import costs, partially offsetting domestic bearish fundamentals
- Precautionary procurement and geopolitical risk premiums increased demand for prompt cargoes, tightening available spot volumes sporadically
Natural Gas Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Natural Gas Price Index rose by 26.72% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting cross-border demand tightening.
- The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately Eur 38194.00/ 1000 MWh, reflecting balanced demand.
- Natural Gas Spot Price remained volatile amid technical buying, momentum-led rallies, and limited supply disruptions.
- Natural Gas Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness driven by geopolitical risks and persisting refill requirements.
- Natural Gas Production Cost Trend showed pressure as higher freight and insurance raised procurement costs.
- Natural Gas Demand Outlook is mixed; muted industrial offtake but residential heating supports Price Index.
- Natural Gas Price Index reflected tighter export nominations and storage cushion erosion, prompting risk premia.
- Operator reports showed stable pipeline receipts and FSRUs, limiting supply shocks and sustaining bullish sentiment.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Geopolitical disruptions tightened global LNG flows, raising landed procurement costs and elevating prompt market risk premia.
- Falling storage levels and export nominations drained local buffers, intensifying competition for available cargoes and bids.
- Momentum-led technical buying sustained upward pressure while freight and insurance cost inflation increased delivery cost uncertainty.
Natural Gas Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 15.819% quarter-over-quarter on upstream additions.
- The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 3398.67/ 1000 mmBtu across Riyadh deliveries.
- Natural Gas Spot Price weakness reflected pipeline flows, injections pressuring the domestic Price Index downward.
- Natural Gas Price Forecast shows modest recovery spring if industrial demand resumes, Jafurah injections stabilise.
- Natural Gas Production Cost Trend remained subdued as feedstock and freight costs were marginally offset.
- Natural Gas Demand Outlook signals seasonal uplift for cooling, but near-term power demand remains subdued.
- Inventory builds and limited merchant exports constrained the Natural Gas Price Index, keeping volatility elevated.
- Operational ramp-ups at Jafurah and Tanajib increased supply while policy allocation limits tempered merchant volumes.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Strict domestic allocation of produced gas to priority users limited spot merchant volumes, tightening availability in March.
- Regional geopolitical tensions and higher freight plus insurance costs constrained LNG imports and supported landed cost increases.
- Pre-summer power and desalination procurement lifted gas burn, while petrochemical feedstock demand remained steady to firmer.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In USA, Natural Gas Price Index rose by 31.17% quarter-over-quarter, driven by LNG export demand
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 4101.67/1000 mmBtu, Gulf Coast delivered
• Robust LNG loadings tightened balances and elevated the Natural Gas Spot Price at Gulf hubs
• Consensus updates pushed the Natural Gas Price Forecast higher; winter draws and export momentum persisted
• Logistical constraints and processing utilisation supported the Natural Gas Production Cost Trend, reducing producer flexibility
• Strong power burn, heating need and industrial feedstock use underpinned the Natural Gas Demand Outlook
• Inventory builds and regional basis weakness moderated the Natural Gas Price Index, producing volatile corrections
• Maintenance and temporary liquefaction suspensions constrained Gulf feedgases, increasing spot volatility and regional price dispersion
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in December 2025 in North America?
• Export-driven feedgas demand and winterized power burn tightened balances, supporting higher immediate spot premiums regionally.
• Large storage levels and resilient production created buffer, enabling December price declines despite export strength.
• Logistical disruptions and isolated regional bottlenecks occasionally tightened deliverability, amplifying volatility and short-term upward moves.
APAC
• In China, the Natural Gas Price Index rose by 31.1% quarter-over-quarter, due to winter demand.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 4101.67/1000 mmBtu , reflecting seasonal procurement.
• Natural Gas Spot Price tightened as port congestion and regas outages limited immediate cargoes availability.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast shows near-term firmness as seasonal withdrawals exceed pipeline and import additions.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend rose with higher LNG chartering and increased import-parity landed costs.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook strengthened as residential heating and coal-to-gas switching amplified consumption across provinces.
• Natural Gas Price Index showed weekly spikes but moderation as inventories and pipeline flows adjusted.
• Supply restorations, Far Eastern route inflows and higher PipeChina deliveries eased prompt tightness during mid-December.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Seasonal peak-winter heating demand increased withdrawals and spurred urgent procurement across northern provinces and utilities.
• Pipeline inflows and new Far Eastern route additions improved supply, relieving tightness and easing prices.
• Elevated freight and import-parity pushed costs higher, while storage dynamics and logistics affected market responses.
Europe
• In Germany, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 9.4% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting easing winter demand.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately Euro 30140.67/1000 MWh , reflecting subdued demand.
• Natural Gas Spot Price trends were pressured by abundant LNG arrivals and inventories across hubs.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast pointed to downside risk given high storage and subdued industrial consumption.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend stable as feedstock and transport costs eased, limiting upside pressure.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook remains muted with renewables displacing gas-fired generation and industry curbing operations.
• Natural Gas Price Index volatility rose as sanction headlines intermittently tightened routes despite persistent surplus.
• Robust LNG arrivals and Norwegian nominations pressured German hub quotes while regasification capacity stayed reliable.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in December 2025 in Europe?
• High LNG inflows and abundant European storage reduced spot procurement urgency, weighting prices downward materially.
• Milder temperatures and strong renewable generation limited heating and power-sector gas burn, suppressing demand pressure.
• Sanctions and shipping blacklists intermittently heightened supply-risk premia despite continuous pipeline and regasification throughput stability.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Natural Gas Price Index rose by 30.38% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting strong demand.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was USD 4037.33/1000 mmBtu , reflecting elevated CIF costs.
• Natural Gas Spot Price rose as Asian LNG CIFs transmitted into procurement, raising landed costs.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast indicates near-term stabilization as Jafurah ramp-up gradually eases domestic tightness conditions.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend eased from abundant feedstock; higher freight and insurance supported costs.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook remains firm from power-sector fuel switching, cracker restarts and industrial off-take.
• Natural Gas Price Index mirrored alternating supply additions and robust domestic demand, producing weekly volatility.
• Inventory builds and export demand softened downside while domestic off-take and maintenance tightened market balances.
• Operational updates from major producers showed accelerating Jafurah output and Fadhili expansions altering balance dynamics.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in December 2025 in MEA?
• Jafurah commissioning rapidly increased domestic supply, relieving short-term tightness and pressuring spot and contract prices.
• Power-sector fuel switching and petrochemical pre-maintenance feedstock draws elevated demand, underpinning upward pressure on Price Index.
• Red Sea war-risk surcharges and higher freight raised CIF costs while logistics delays tightened prompt availability.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 11.9% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting abundant supply pressure.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 3127/1000mmbtu, across U.S. hubs.
• Storage injections pressured the Natural Gas Spot Price, reinforcing the quarter's bearish Natural Gas Price Index.
• Export and domestic dynamics shaped the Natural Gas Demand Outlook, with LNG flows supporting price.
• Rising transportation and feedstock expenses affected the Natural Gas Production Cost Trend and constrained margins.
• Near-term Natural Gas Price Forecast shows conditional recovery potential hinging on winter demand and exports.
• Industrial weakness and variable cooling loads kept the Natural Gas Price Index rangebound across hubs.
• Higher inventories above five-year averages constrained rallies, pressuring Natural Gas Spot Price despite export support.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in September 2025 in North America?
• Elevated production and abundant storage builds increased supply, undermining upward price pressure in September 2025.
• Milder-than-expected weather reduced power burn forecasts, weakening near-term domestic consumption and limiting price support further.
• LNG export schedules and logistics disruptions tightened flows, but exports remained insufficient to offset surplus.
APAC
• In China, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 11.9% quarter-over-quarter, pressured by pipeline surplus.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 3126.33/1000mmbtu, per hub settlements.
• Natural Gas Spot Price softened as cheaper pipeline inflows and domestic output displaced LNG cargoes.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast indicates limited near-term upside amid full inventories and weak industrial demand.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend stable as rising domestic output reduced costs and import reliance.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook subdued as weak manufacturing and coal preference limit gas-fired generation activity.
• Natural Gas Price Index saw rallies after typhoon outages but stayed capped by supply surplus.
• Storage levels recovered and muted export demand constrained upside, leaving price volatility moderate and localized.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Surging pipeline deliveries and robust domestic production increased supply, reducing reliance on expensive LNG imports.
• Soft industrial and chemical demand with coal substitution reduced gas offtake and lowered price momentum.
• Logistics disruptions briefly tightened prompt availability, but high inventories and tariffs constrained any sustained gains.
Europe
• In Germany, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 10.33% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting abundant supply conditions.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 33267.33/1000MWh, per hub reporting.
• Natural Gas Spot Price eased on LNG inflows, while the Price Index showed weakening fundamentals.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast indicates limited upside due to inventories, pipeline flows, and subdued demand.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend eased as feedstock and transport expenses fell, reducing cost pressures.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook weakened as mild temperatures and industrial softness reduced overall consumption materially.
• Natural Gas Price Index showed downward momentum supported by injections, LNG arrivals, and limited buying.
• Terminal stability and producer commitments prevented sharp spikes in Natural Gas Spot Price this quarter.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Rising LNG imports and pipeline flows increased supply, easing prompt tightness and pressuring prices lower.
• High storage injections and inventories reduced urgency for purchases, weakening seasonal demand-driven price support materially.
• Mild weather, industrial curtailments, and regulator policy changes lowered consumption, while maintenance tightened local balances.
MEA
• In Saudi Arabia, the Natural Gas Price Index fell by 15.19% quarter-over-quarter, amid abundant supply.
• The average Natural Gas price for the quarter was approximately USD 3096.67/1000mmbtu, reflecting ample supply.
• Natural Gas Spot Price showed volatility, while the Price Index remained pressured by field output.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast suggests limited upside absent stronger export demand or unexpected supply disruptions.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend eased due to improved drilling efficiencies lowering marginal extraction costs.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook weakened as petrochemical maintenance and mild weather cut industrial, power offtake.
• Inventory draws were muted and export interest fluctuated, capping any Natural Gas Price Index recoveries.
• Major producers operated near capacity as Jafurah start-up influenced balances, regional flows, affecting Price Index.
Why did the price of Natural Gas change in September 2025 in MEA?
• Rapid Jafurah output ramp and volumes expanded supply, exerting downward pressure on the Price Index.
• Milder weather reduced power burn and spot demand, while shipping stability softened regional cost pressures.
• Petrochemical maintenance and weak exports tempered industrial uptake, keeping the Price Index subdued despite premiums.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Natural Gas Price Index averaged USD 3696/1000 mmBtu, Ex-Louisiana, down 7% from Q1 2025, and featuring a mixed pattern of early weakness followed by a late-quarter recovery.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
The Natural Gas Price Index is projected to increase due to persistent heatwaves across the South and Midwest, which are likely to intensify cooling-related demand, while LNG feedgas volumes are anticipated to climb, tightening available domestic supply.
• Natural Gas Price fell during April and May due to mild weather curbing residential and commercial heating requirements, and industrial activity weakening.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook was weak early on, affected by a seasonally lower level of consumption and robust pre-summer stock builds.
• Large storage injections—some exceeding five-year averages—added downward pressure, keeping Natural Gas Price Index subdued in early Q2.
• LNG feedgas deliveries dipped briefly during maintenance outages but rebounded by June, helping tighten the supply side.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend remained firm due to infrastructure constraints, maintenance-led output dips, and lower Canadian pipeline imports.
• Daily dry gas output ranged between 99–106 Bcf/d during Q2, with June seeing modest declines that supported a late-quarter price uptick.
• By mid-to-late June, stronger cooling-related demand emerged, particularly in the Southeast and Texas, lifting power-sector gas consumption.
• Geopolitical tensions and a crude oil rally in June reinforced market bullishness, feeding into the Natural Gas Price Index recovery.
• Futures rose nearly 3% in June, with speculative buying returning as market sentiment turned toward tighter balances for summer.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast for July 2025 points to further increases due to persistent hot weather, higher LNG demand, and restrained production recovery.
APAC
• The Natural Gas Price Index in China averaged USD 3696/1000 mmBtu, Ex-Shanghai during Q2 2025, reflecting a 7% decline from Q1 2025, with the quarter showing a mixed trend—initial price drops in April followed by moderate inclines in late May and June.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
Natural Gas prices in China are forecasted to rise as elevated summer temperatures are expected to boost urban cooling needs and power sector demand, while inland distribution constraints may limit supply flexibility.
• Early-quarter declines in the Natural Gas Price Index were driven by sluggish industrial activity, mild weather, and high inventory levels, which suppressed both residential and manufacturing demand in major hubs like the Pearl River Delta.
• Natural Gas Demand Outlook remained subdued in April and early May due to weak real estate activity, lower export manufacturing, and trade tensions with the U.S., which impacted industrial consumption and reduced LNG appetite.
• Strong domestic production, which rose by 4.3% in Q1, and expanding pipeline gas imports from Russia and Central Asia, provided sufficient supply, limiting the need for expensive LNG and supporting regional substitution toward lower-cost piped and domestic gas.
• By late May and June, the Natural Gas Price Index saw modest recovery as spot restocking activity increased, and expectations of firmer summer demand lifted short-term buying, especially in inland and power-sector markets.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable, with minor upward pressure from regional logistical costs and seasonal power demand, though mitigated by continued declines in seaborne LNG prices.
• The Natural Gas Price Forecast for July 2025 points to a modest incline, supported by rising summer cooling demand, increased gas-fired power generation, and ongoing pipeline infrastructure enhancements (e.g., Power of Siberia 2 momentum). Continued restrictions on U.S. LNG also tighten supply flexibility, contributing to upward price pressure.
Europe
• Natural Gas Price Index averaged EUR 36,964/1000 MWh, FD Hamburg in Q2 2025, reflecting a 19% decline from Q1; prices fell in April and May, then rebounded in June amid tightening balances.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
The price index is likely to strengthen due to sustained hot weather, increasing electricity demand, tighter LNG markets amid geopolitical risks, and a resurgence in storage activity driven by favorable pricing and supply concerns.
• Natural Gas Price fell through April and May as mild temperatures lowered heating demand and LNG terminal utilization plunged, with Mukran falling to 5% and national usage to just 21%.
• Declining industrial activity, especially in energy-intensive sectors, further weakened the Natural Gas Demand Outlook in early Q2.
• Regulatory changes, including Germany’s decision to cut mandatory storage fill levels from 90% to 70%, signaled reduced urgency for early injections and added bearish sentiment.
• Storage volumes remained underbooked despite sufficient supply, as inverted summer-winter spreads and ambiguous EU mandates discouraged traders from forward commitments.
• Natural Gas Production Cost Trend stayed firm amid limited pipeline flexibility, particularly as Norway’s unplanned outages and maintenance at the Troll field disrupted flows in early June.
• U.S. LNG imports declined during May, while Qatar and Norway covered the gap; yet domestic storage was deprioritized in favor of regional transit flows to Austria and Czechia.
• In June, Natural Gas Price Index began to rise, supported by hot weather, surging cooling demand, and renewed geopolitical risk, especially surrounding LNG flows from the Middle East.
• The Natural Gas Demand Outlook strengthened late in Q2 as above-average temperatures drove up power sector gas use and Germany’s grid leaned on gas to support renewables.
• Market sentiment turned bullish by late June, aided by EU policy shifts (gas levy scrapped, storage mandates relaxed), stable pipeline inflows, and a ceasefire in the Middle East.
• Natural Gas Price Forecast for July 2025 suggests further increases due to persistent heat, expected tighter LNG markets, and backloaded storage activity as traders return to capacity bookings.
MEA
• Saudi Arabia’s Natural Gas Price Index averaged USD 3849/1000 mmBtu, Ex-Riyadh in Q2 2025, marking a 2.5% decline from Q1 2025, driven by early-quarter oversupply.
• Why did the price change in July 2025?
Prices are forecasted to rise as extreme heat is expected to push electricity and desalination requirements to seasonal peaks, while consumption growth may outpace the rate of domestic production ramp-up.
• Prices declined in April due to increased natural gas production from the Jafurah field and reduced reliance on crude for power, improving the natural gas production cost trend.
• May and June saw a price rebound as scorching summer temperatures spiked power generation and desalination needs, tightening supply despite stable output.
• Strong industrial demand post-Ramadan, especially from petrochemicals, added pressure on the domestic natural gas price forecast, pushing prices higher through late Q2.
• By early July 2025, the natural gas price index is projected to increase further, driven by peak cooling demand and firm downstream consumption.
• Despite ongoing production ramp-up, output lagged short-term consumption surges, reinforcing tight supply conditions and supporting a bullish natural gas demand outlook.
