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Natural gas – A Glimpse into Supply, Demand, and Prices

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SEB - analysbrev på råvaror
Ole R. Hvalbye
Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB

Supply: Recent weather patterns across Europe have been milder than usual, leading to a delayed onset of the heating season. The weather forecast for the next two weeks predicts a continuation of this trend. As a result, EU TTF spot prices have decreased, leading to a reduced volume of LNG imports to Europe in September and early October. Current imports stand at about 3.3 TWh/day, down from 4.0 TWh/day at this time last year, and significantly lower than the 6.0 TWh/day at the beginning of summer 2023.

Total flow of natural gas to Europe, GWh

Although peak maintenance on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) concluded in mid-September, it is scheduled to continue for another month. Despite this, Norwegian natural gas exports to Europe are encouraging, currently at 2.6 TWh/day, though still below the historical average of 3.4 TWh/day. Meanwhile, Russian supplies have increased marginally from 0.6 TWh/day in mid-summer to 0.85 TWh/day currently, yet they remain 2.65 TWh/day below the historical average. Overall, Europe’s current supply is roughly 8.65 TWh/day, clearly lower than the historical average of 11 TWh/day for this period.

Demand: Last year witnessed a significant decrease in European natural gas demand, which has persisted longer than anticipated. Present consumption rates are slightly lower than last year at 7.5 TWh/day and are 2.5 TWh/day below the historical norm. Current consumption patterns resemble those typically seen in August—a month characterized by European holidays and peak maintenance on the continent’s natural gas infrastructure. The prevailing mild weather is likely to further reduce consumption in the coming weeks. Moreover, industrial gas consumption among the EU’s major consumers (DE, FR, IT, BE, UK, & NL) has remained consistent with October 2022 levels, at 1.9 TWh/day, which is 0.6 TWh/day below historical averages.

2022-2023 consumption gap to average (GWh/day)

Inventories: EU natural gas storage levels are nearing capacity, with current levels at 96.3%, 9.5% higher than the five-year average. This excess has contributed to the decline in spot prices. With storage nearly full, some stored volumes must be sold at discounted rates to accommodate incoming LNG shipments. However, longer-term prices for the upcoming months and winter 2023/24 remain relatively stable. Although concerns about potential shortages for the upcoming winter are lessening, end-of-April 2023 inventory levels will influence the market for the following seasons.

EU natural gas storage levels

Inventory Outlook: Given the ongoing demand reduction, inventories are expected to remain robust in the short term. However, as the end of the year approaches, projections indicate a convergence towards a more ”normal” inventory level. This means that by year-end, inventories will be 36 TWh above typical levels, a significant reduction from the 259 TWh surplus in early April 2023. Presently, the surplus stands at 116.8 TWh. The trend suggests that inventory levels will approach historical norms, resulting in a tighter EU natural gas market as peak winter approaches.

Inventory Outlook for natural gas in europe

Price Dynamics: Europe’s mild start to the heating season has proven beneficial, especially during a time of peak maintenance at the NCS and potential risks of decreased global LNG supplies (Australian LNG). The high current inventory levels have significantly minimized the risk of natural gas shortages for the upcoming winter. However, as the heating season progresses, the EU inventory drawdown will be significant.

Global naturgal gas prices

Current price dynamics reveal that the EU TTF forwards (M+1 and winter 2023/24) have declined “too far” compared to the Japanese LNG price. LNG is, and will continue to be, the marginal supplier of natural gas to Europe.

In 2022, the EU witnessed unprecedented levels of LNG imports. To realize this, the EU natural gas price consistently traded at a premium — averaging EUR 15.6/MWh over the front-month Japanese LNG price throughout the year. By the second half of 2022, this premium escalated to an average of EUR 30/MWh. However, the tables have turned: currently, the EU price is at a discount of EUR 8/MWh to the Japanese LNG price for November (M+1) and EUR 5.5/MWh for Q124.

We foresee this trend as short-lived. We believe that, as winter approaches, the EU TTF natural gas price will not only match but potentially exceed the Japanese LNG price by a premium of EUR 5-10/MWh. In our view, the current EU TTF natural gas forwards are undervalued relative to the Japanese LNG price and will likely see a correction, ensuring the EU continues its robust LNG imports. Standing by our early September Gas price projection, we anticipate the average TTF spot price for Q4 2023 to be around EUR 55/MWh and the aggregate for 2023 to settle at EUR 45.5/MWh.

Analys

Crude oil comment: Brace for impact!

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SEB - analysbrev på råvaror

Brent crude prices have soared by nearly USD 10 per barrel in just one week, escalating from a low of USD 69.9 on September 1st to the current USD 79.4 per barrel. Yesterday, Brent traded as high as USD 81.2 before retreating slightly in today’s session, reaching levels not seen since late August.

Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB
Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB

Despite Saudi Arabia’s focus on volume over price and its intention to abandon the unofficial oil price target of USD 100 per barrel, the Kingdom is likely to increase production gradually by 180,000 barrels per month, amounting to a +2.2 million barrels per day increase over the next 12 months starting from December 2024. This bearish strategy led to plummeting prices in late September.

Price support has also come from China’s recent implementation of stimulus measures aimed at achieving its 5% growth target, primarily focusing on the stressed property market. In the short term, this stimulus is unlikely to translate into significant demand growth for Chinese oil. For context, the latest data on Chinese refinery utilization shows a slight improvement, though still well below the levels of 2023. Additionally, Chinese oil demand in August was down by approximately 6% year-over-year.

Setting aside Saudi Arabia’s defense of its market share and China’s economic measures, the spotlight is now on geopolitics – specifically, the escalating tensions in the Middle East, which are putting Iranian oil exports at risk and boosting Brent prices.

The market is holding its breath, awaiting Israel’s response to Iran’s missile attack last Tuesday. Approximately 200 ballistic missiles were launched, reportedly causing limited damage. However, retaliation is expected, and the market is pricing in the potential escalation of conflicts in the Middle East.

Leading up to the attack, speculative positions in Brent crude were at record lows, setting the stage for a sharp rebound following the missile strike on October 1st. Despite managed money purchasing 120 million barrels in the past three weeks from the September 10th low, this still marks the fourth-lowest position since 2011, according to ICE. This record bearish positioning was driven by deteriorating outlooks for major economies since the summer and the resulting subdued oil consumption growth.

Yet, these significant bearish positions also primed prices for a sudden surge following a shift in supply and demand. For instance, potential Israeli retaliation targeting Iran’s oil fields, refineries, and export terminals has driven prices dramatically higher. With this backdrop, there are substantial upside risks to both speculative positions and global oil prices if the conflicts escalate further and affect energy infrastructure in the Arabian Gulf.

Israeli retaliation could range from a limited strike, which might not provoke severe Iranian retaliation, allowing Iran to continue its crude exports to China at approximately 2 million barrels per day, to more severe attacks potentially provoking Iran to target oil infrastructures in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and to attempt to block the Strait of Hormuz which transports 18 million barrels per day of crude to the global market (20% of global oil consumption). This blockade could severely constrain supply, spiking oil prices given the already low US crude inventories.

Although the worst-case scenario of a severe escalation is unlikely, the region has been managing serious and escalating conflicts for some time. Just yesterday marked one year since the October 7th attack on Israel, and thus far, the global market has not lost any oil. The most severe market impact to date has been the rerouting of oil around Africa due to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea.

Additionally, should Iran’s entire oil export capacity be disabled, the global market would lose roughly 2 million barrels per day of Iranian crude and condensate. Yet, with OPEC+ holding a spare capacity of nearly 6 million barrels per day – with Saudi Arabia alone able to boost production by nearly 3 million barrels per day – the global oil supply is robust. However, a significant reduction in spare capacity would naturally elevate oil prices, diminishing the global balancing buffer.

Despite the low probability of a worst-case scenario, the global markets remain on edge following the unexpected events like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Markets are exceedingly nervous about future developments. The upcoming retaliatory attack by Israel will likely set the tone for the conflict moving forward. Prepare for potentially higher prices and increased volatility!

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Analys

Market on Edge Awaiting Israel’s Next Move Against Iran

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SEB - analysbrev på råvaror

Brent crude jumped as much as 5.5% yesterday before it closed at USD 77.62/b (+5%). That is up USD 9/b since the recent low-point of USD 68.68/b on 10 Sep which was the lowest Brent price since December 2021. The jump yesterday was fueled by Biden saying that attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure was under discussion as a response to the 200 ballistic missiles Iran fired at Israel on Tuesday. Brent price this morning is mostly unchanged.

Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief analyst commodities, SEB
Bjarne Schieldrop, Chief analyst commodities, SEB

While we have seen a strong rebound in the oil price lately, the current price of USD 77.6/b is still below its close in August of USD 78.8/b and also well below the USD 80-85/b where Brent has comfortably been trading for more than 18 months. One should think that the latest escalation in the Middle East would have forced some short-covering of more than 250 mb of short oil positions in Brent and WTI. But so far at least not enough to spur Brent crude back to USD 80/b.

It is now almost one year since the Oct 7 attack on Israel. And so far the market has not lost a single drop of oil. The most severe impact on the oil market so far is the rerouting of oil around Africa due to Houthis firing rockets at ships in the Red Sea. 

While Mid-East tensions are running high, the oil market is still deeply concerned about weak demand and a surplus oil in 2025. OPEC+ this week again confirmed that they will lift production by 180 kb/d in December. The plan is for a monthly increase by this amount for 12 months to November 2025. But even if they do lift production in December, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will lift also in January. That remains to be decided. Saudi Arabia is clearly frustrated by the fact that Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia haven’t complied fully with agreed quotas. And if your teammates do not play by the agreed rules, then how can you keep on playing. But they still have October and November to show that they are good palls.

Libya is also set to revive production in the coming days. Its production tumbled to less than 450 kb/d in August and averaged 600 kb/d in September. It will likely return back to around 1.2 mb/d rather quickly as internal political disagreements have been ironed out for now.

Ahead of us however is still the retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel. All options are probably weighted and Israel naturally have a long list of possible targets already made out. Which to choose? Oil installations? Other economic targets? Military installations? Nuclear facilities?,.. It is a fine balance. A forceful retaliation, but not so strong that it leads to an uncontrollable tit-for-tat escalation. Israel may utilize the situation to hit Iranian nuclear installations now that Hezbollah is partially sidelined.

Our expectations are that the Israeli retaliation will come rather quickly and probably before Oct 7. It probably won’t hit oil installations. Most likely it will hit military installations. Possibly Iran’s nuclear facilities. But if the later are hit then we are in for a real tit-for-tat escalation. 

If all of Iran’s oil export capacity was to be taken out, then the world would lose around 1.7 mb/d of Iranian crude oil exports plus some 0.5 mb/d of condensate exports. OPEC+ now holds a spare capacity of 5-6 mb/d with Saudi Arabia alone able to lift production by 2-3 mb/d. UAE, Iraq and Kuwait can probably lift production by 1.5 to 2.0 mb/d and Russia by 1.0 mb/d. So world would not go dry for oil even if Iran’s oil exports are fully taken out. But spare capacity would be much lower and that would lift the oil price higher. But if Iran’s exports were taken out then we are talking full turmoil around the Strait of Hormuz. And the oil price would jump considerably and above USD 100/b as the risk of further escalation which might impact exports out of the Strait of Hormuz which carries close to 20% of all oil consumed in the world.

The rule of thumb in commodity markets is that if supply is severely restricted then the price will often spike to 5-10x its normal level. Most recent examples of this is global LNG prices which spiked to USD 385/boe when Russia chocked off gas supplies to Europe. So if worst came to worst and the Strait of Hormuz was closed for a month or more then Brent crude would likely spike to USD 350/b, the world economy would crater and the oil price would fall back to below USD 200/b again over some time. But the risk for this currently seems very remote and both the US and China would likely move in to try to reopen the Strait if it was closed. But when rockets are flying left, right and center, it is not so easy. But seeing where the oil price sits right now the market doesn’t seem to hold much probability for such a development at all.

But it is not so long ago that world markets were taken completely off-guard by the developments in Russia/Ukraine. So while probabilities for worst case scenarios are very low, everyone are still biting nails for what will happen the coming days as we await the retaliatory attack by Israel on Iran.

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Analys

Crude oil comment: Stronger Saudi commitment

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SEB - analysbrev på råvaror

Brent crude prices have dropped by roughly USD 2 per barrel (2.5%) following Saudi Arabia’s shift towards prioritizing production volume over price. The Brent price initially tumbled by nearly USD 3 per barrel, reaching a low of USD 70.7 before recovering to USD 71.8. The market is reacting to reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia may abandon its unofficial USD 100 per barrel target to regain market share, aligning with plans to increase output by 2.2 million barrels per day starting in December 2024.

Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB
Ole R. Hvalbye, Analyst Commodities, SEB

This move, while not yet officially confirmed, signals a stronger commitment from Saudi Arabia to boost supply, despite market expectations that they might delay the increase if prices remained below USD 80. If confirmed by the Saudi Energy Ministry, further downward pressure on prices is expected, as the market is already pricing in this potential increase.

For months, the market has been skeptical about whether Saudi Arabia would follow through with the production increase, but the recent rhetoric indicates that the Kingdom may act on its initial plan. The decision to increase production is likely motivated by a desire to regain market share, especially as OPEC+ continues to carefully manage output levels.

The latest US DOE report revealed a bullish drawdown of 4.5 million barrels in U.S. crude inventories, now 5% below the five-year average. Gasoline and distillate stocks also saw decreases of 1.5 million and 2.2 million barrels, respectively, both sitting significantly below seasonal averages. Total commercial petroleum inventories plummeted by 14.6 million barrels last week, signaling some continued tightness in the US here and now.

U.S. refinery inputs averaged 16.4 million bpd, a slight reduction from the previous week, with refineries operating at 90.9% capacity. Gasoline production rose to 9.8 million bpd, while distillate production dipped to 4.9 million bpd. Although crude imports rose to 6.5 million bpd, the four-week average remains 9.5% lower year-on-year, reflecting softer U.S. imports.

In terms of US demand, total products supplied averaged 20.3 million bpd over the past four weeks, a 1.4% decline year-over-year. Gasoline demand saw a slight uptick of 2.1%, while distillate and jet fuel demand remained relatively flat.

The easing of geopolitical tensions between Israel and Hezbollah has also contributed to the recent price dip, with hopes for a potential ceasefire easing regional risk concerns. Additionally, uncertainty persists around the impact of China’s monetary easing on future demand growth, adding further downward pressure on prices.

US DOE inventories, change in million barrels per week
US Crude & Products inventories (excl SPR) in million barrels
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