European natural gas prices surge amid low storage and geopolitical tension

natural gas prices energy crisis EU gas storage TTF benchmark LNG supply

European natural gas prices have surged, with the Dutch TTF benchmark reaching approximately 76 euros per megawatt-hour. This spike is driven by low seasonal gas storage levels across the EU—currently at 72.4%, significantly below the five-year average of 87%—and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly security risks in the Strait of Hormuz affecting LNG shipments.

National markets are reacting to these trends. In Bulgaria, the regulator KEVR increased the natural gas price for October 2026 to 44.09 €/MWh. In Poland, Orlen is considering a request to increase energy tariffs for 2027 due to market volatility, while recent data shows electricity and gas prices in the country hitting three-to-four-year highs.

Broader energy commodities are also seeing upward movement, with Brent crude oil rising 14% month-over-month and coal prices increasing significantly. These rising costs pose potential challenges for households and energy providers as the heating season approaches, with experts noting that low storage levels and supply disruptions could lead to further price volatility.

Entities

BulgarGaz · European Union · Gas Infrastructure Europe · Houthi rebels · KEVR · ORLEN · Saudi Aramco · Strait of Hormuz · TTF

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] European natural gas prices on the TTF benchmark have risen by 171% since the start of the year. ohridsky.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bulgaria's regulator KEVR set the October 2026 natural gas price at 44.09 €/MWh. zelenika.bg
[○ 1 SOURCE] Brent crude oil prices have increased by 14% month-over-month. forsal.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Orlen is considering a request to the Energy Regulatory Office to increase tariffs for 2027. www.fakt.pl
[○ 1 SOURCE] Security risks in the Strait of Hormuz are contributing to rising LNG shipment concerns. finans.mynet.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Electricity and gas prices in Poland reached their highest levels in 3-4 years in September. www.parkiet.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Dutch TTF benchmark price reached approximately 76 euros per megawatt-hour. ohridsky.com · trend.dk
[● 3 SOURCES] EU gas storage levels are at approximately 72.4%, below the five-year seasonal average of 87%. trend.dk · finans.mynet.com