US Natgas Jumps on Ras Laffan Attack
US natural gas futures jumped about 5% to around $3.2 per MMBtu, reversing losses from earlier in the week after Iran launched attacks on key energy infrastructure across the Middle East, intensifying supply concerns. Iran carried out missile strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a complex housing the world’s largest LNG export plant, marking one of several energy assets Tehran pledged to target following an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Abu Dhabi also suspended operations at its Habshan gas facilities after intercepted missiles caused falling debris, while LNG assets in Bahrain were reportedly struck by heavy missile barrages. Meanwhile, the EIA reported a 38 billion cubic feet storage withdrawal in its latest weekly data, smaller than the 42 Bcf draw expected, signaling that heating demand is starting to ease as the winter season draws to a close.