Brussel, March 19 (SANA) Gas prices in Europe rose by 35% on Thursday following strikes targeting energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major center for liquefied natural gas production and export.
According to market data cited by AFP, the benchmark Dutch TTF natural gas contract, widely used as a reference in Europe, rose to around €74 per megawatt-hour before easing slightly.
The surge follows damage caused by strikes a day earlier to facilities in Ras Laffan, described as the world’s largest hub for liquefied natural gas production.
As of mid-March 2026, European gas prices have shown a sharp upward trend, with TTF futures rising by more than 30% and exceeding €70/MWh, reflecting growing concerns over supply disruptions.
Market analysts say the developments could keep prices elevated in the near term amid tight supply conditions and increased demand for alternative LNG sources.
The situation has raised international concern over the stability of global energy supplies and the ability of markets to compensate for disruptions affecting one of the world’s most critical production sites.
F.J.
