Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article indicates that European gas traders are proactively hedging against winter risks for the next storage season, despite an expected increase in gas supply next year [1][2] - Options contracts traded on Monday predict that European gas prices could reach €50 per megawatt-hour next summer, representing a 60% increase from the current level of around €32 [1] - The volatility of European gas prices has returned to pre-2022 energy crisis levels, providing a more attractive entry point for traders looking to profit from price fluctuations [1] Group 2 - The European gas market faces uncertainties that could impact next year's storage plans, including the potential for severe winter weather and the effects of further sanctions on Russian energy [2] - Data indicates that 2,050 contracts of call options were traded on Monday with a strike price of €50 per megawatt-hour, covering the period from April to September 2026, with an option premium of €0.81 per megawatt-hour [2]