European Gas Prices Surge Over 200% Amid Supply Disruptions

Natural gas prices in Europe have surged by more than 200% since the start of 2026, driven by global supply chain issues and low storage levels as the winter season approaches. Geopolitical instability around the Strait of Hormuz has hampered roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas exports, pushing the Dutch TTF benchmark to its highest level since December 2022. Despite the United States increasing its LNG exports to 10.9 million metric tons in September, these additional supplies have failed to offset the shortage caused by shipping disruptions, exacerbated by fierce competition for available shipments from Asian markets.