0820 GMT - European natural-gas prices climb in early trading, extending the previous session's gains as traders fear any escalation between the U.S. and Iran could disrupt LNG flows in the region. The benchmark Dutch TTF contract is up 3.5% to 32.60 euros a megawatt-hour after settling more than 5% higher on Wednesday. Gas markets are increasingly worried about shipments through the Strait of Hormuz--especially from Qatar, the second-largest exporter globally. "These supply risks are building at a time when EU gas storage continues to tighten, with it falling closer towards 30% full," ING analysts say. Still, forecasts of warmer weather across Europe, steady gas flows despite outages in Norway and stronger renewable output in Germany are easing pressure, limiting price gains. (giulia.petroni@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 19, 2026 03:21 ET (08:21 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.