PRECIOUS METALS | International Natural Gas Prices Surge as Hormuz LNG Disruptions Raise Supply Fears

International natural gas prices have risen sharply since early September, with trading near the oil-equivalent level of $150 per barrel. According to Sina Finance, market analysts said the rally was not unexpected, as warnings about low European gas inventories had gone unheeded for months and the market has now shifted toward concern over a prolonged supply disruption. The article said there is still no clear solution for liquefied natural gas trade through the Strait of Hormuz, and that disruptions could continue indefinitely. It added that LNG has been hit harder than other commodities affected by the Middle East conflict, with less than 10% of prewar shipments able to pass through.