Curve Prices and Middle East Tensions: Curve prices mirrored the bearish fundamentals in the spot market, tracking the downward trend. However, any significant downside was limited due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This was underscored by the cancellation of a recent shipment bound for Italy earlier in the week, highlighting the geopolitical factors influencing market dynamics.
Norwegian Flows and Storage Dynamics: Norwegian flows remained robust, totaling 355 million cubic meters per day (mcm/day). Concurrently, withdrawals from storage continued, contributing to the overall supply-demand balance. As of January 19, storages across Europe were at 75.49%, highlighting ongoing utilization and adaptability in response to changing market conditions.
Curve Prices and Power Market Rebound: Beyond spot prices, increases were observed across the curve, mirroring the factors influencing the spot market. The expectations of colder weather conditions influenced market sentiment, contributing to a broader upward movement in prices. Power prices in Europe experienced a rebound, aligning with the anticipation of increased demand during the colder period.
Storage Dynamics: While storage withdrawals are projected to be higher in response to the expected increase in demand, the overall storage levels remained robust, currently standing at 86.07%. This indicates a balanced utilization of storage facilities to meet heightened demand while maintaining a healthy reserve, showcasing the adaptability of the energy market to changing conditions.
