European gas prices steady on Monday as traders weighed mixed U.S. signals
over negotiations with Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. European
benchmark gas futures rose modestly after a cumulative decline of more than 9%
last week. Iran said it would not relax conditions to reopen the strait after
Trump rejected its latest proposal, but Trump indicated talks could resume this
week. Continued negotiation delays and rising winter supply uncertainty are
increasing pressure on Europe to replenish unusually low gas inventories before
the heating season. The Strait of Hormuz previously handled roughly one-fifth of
global LNG shipments; prolonged disruption could intensify competition among
global gas buyers.