European gas prices rise after Trump rejects Hormuz deal
European gas prices rose nearly 2.5% on Monday after US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears that disruptions to Middle East LNG shipments could persist into the winter. The Dutch TTF front-month Oct26 contract was last seen trading at €74.05 per Megawatt-hour, while the Brent contract for November delivery reached a daily high of $108.27 per barrel.
Total confirms oil, gas production target; sees LNG sales rise 50%
French major TotalEnergies on Monday confirmed its target to grow oil and gas production by around 3% a year through 2030, predominantly driven by LNG. Projects in Namibia, Nigeria, Libya, Malaysia, Mozambique and Papua New Guinea are meant to support the production plateau, while further growth of 2%-3% a year is planned between 2030 and 2035.
Golar LNG to close $500m senior notes
Golar LNG has announced it priced a $500 million private offering of unsecured senior notes due 2031 at 7.5% annual interest and 99% of par. Settlement is expected on October 8. The Bermuda‑based FLNG and shipping group will use most of the proceeds to refinance its existing debt.
New Caspian gas from 2029 to ease Turkey’s LNG dependence
TotalEnergies, SOCAR and Abu Dhabi’s XRG have taken a final investment decision on the full development of Azerbaijan’s offshore Absheron field, securing up to 6 bcm/y of new Caspian gas from 2029. The additional volumes, destined mostly for Turkey via the TANAP pipeline, will help Ankara reduce reliance on spot LNG.
INPEX snaps up JERA’s Ichthys stake, blocks MidOcean
Japan’s INPEX has exercised its pre‑emptive rights to buy JERA’s stake in the Ichthys LNG project in Australia, blocking JERA’s deal with MidOcean Energy to keep control of its flagship LNG asset.
Hormuz transits fall
Ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz has reached a new low, falling to 9 on Thursday compared with 14 on the previous day, according to ship tracking data. Of the 9 vessels tracked just 8 managed to exit the waterway, though some might have sailed through unnoticed with their AIS transporter turned off.
US LNG arbitrage points to Europe, affects vessel availability
The arbitrage for U.S. LNG cargoes is now favouring deliveries to Europe over northeast Asia, according to Spark Commodities, as shipping costs and regional price spreads render Atlantic-to-Pacific deliveries uneconomic for the remainder of 2026.
Shell, NGC ink Aphrodite deal, unlocking Trinidad LNG feedgas
British energy major Shell and Trinidad and Tobago’s National Gas Company (NGC) have agreed commercial terms for gas supplies from Shell’s offshore Aphrodite field, ending a pricing dispute that had stalled the Trinidad LNG export project.
CLdN orders LNG-fuelled vessels from Hyundai HI
Luxembourg-based shortsea operator CLdN has ordered two LNG-fuelled RoRo vessels from the South Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries, with delivery scheduled for mid‑2029.
US-China trade truce extension delays LNG tariff risk
The United States and China have extended a bilateral trade truce – the so-called Busan Agreement – until January 10. The accord reduces the risk of renewed tariff escalation between the world’s two largest economies, but does not include a commitment that China will buy US LNG.
