European natural gas prices rise, supply risks offset impact of warmer late winter temperatures.

European natural gas futures ended a three-day decline, as traders weighed continued supply risks against unusually mild weather. The benchmark contract rose slightly after falling nearly 8% over the previous three trading days. With the United States significantly deploying military forces in the Middle East, ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and Ukraine reporting another attack on its natural gas production facilities, the overall energy market remains tense. Recent decreases in heating demand have allowed some countries, including Germany, to re-inject small amounts of excess natural gas into storage facilities. However, concerns remain in the market about the upcoming restocking season and the need to import large quantities of liquefied natural gas to refill stocks.