European natural gas prices ticked higher on Thursday as traders awaited possible guidance from a closely watched meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with markets particularly alert for any comments related to the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran.
At 09:02 ET (13:02 GMT), the Dutch front-month benchmark at the TTF hub was trading up 1.0% at 47.370 euros per megawatt hour. The British front-month contract moved 1.1% higher to 116.25 pence per therm.
Speaking at a state banquet following a round of talks in Beijing, President Trump characterized Xi as a "friend" and called his reception in China "magnificent." He described the discussions between the two leaders to date as "all good" for both countries and extended an invitation for Xi to visit the U.S. in September.
Neither leader detailed the specific content of their conversations. Observers expect the discussions to cover major items such as trade, Taiwan, and artificial intelligence. In addition, the agenda is anticipated to include the U.S. and Israeli war on Iran - an issue market participants have flagged for its impact on energy flows.
Analysts cited in market commentary have noted that the conflict has disrupted important oil shipments to much of Asia for months. Some of those analysts have suggested President Trump might seek to persuade China, which imports significant volumes of Iranian oil, to act as a guarantor for a durable peace arrangement. The same commentary stressed uncertainty over whether Beijing would be willing to assume such a role.
Market participants have also pointed to effects on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies into Europe. Analysts say European LNG imports have been weakened by the wider conflict, particularly after fighting expanded to include attacks on critical production facilities in Qatar. Those supply disruptions are among the factors keeping energy markets attentive to geopolitical developments tied to the talks.
With the meeting between the two leaders under close scrutiny, natural gas benchmarks in Europe showed modest gains as participants weighed any potential implications for oil and gas flows tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Traders and analysts continue to monitor statements from the talks for clearer signals on whether the diplomatic engagement will affect energy market stability.
Note: Price and time data are as reported at 09:02 ET (13:02 GMT).