Group 1 - Market participants are awaiting a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which may determine the future direction of energy trade policies [1][3] - European natural gas benchmark futures prices experienced a slight decline, trading within a narrow range of €32 to €35 per megawatt-hour since July [1] - Trump's willingness to meet with Putin, despite the latter's refusal to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has heightened market expectations for a US-Russia summit [1] Group 2 - Trump has expressed anger over Putin's refusal to accept a ceasefire agreement and has threatened secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian energy [3] - In response to India's imports of Russian oil, Trump announced plans to double tariffs on India to 50%, with potential additional sanctions to be implemented soon [3] - The competition in the natural gas market between Europe and other major buyers may exacerbate global supply tensions, as Europe actively procures gas in preparation for winter [3]

Group 1 - President Trump urged Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine by August 8, threatening sanctions on Russian energy buyers if not complied [1] - Market skepticism regarding Trump's threats led to a slight decline in European natural gas prices, currently trading around €34 per MWh [1][2] - European natural gas reserves are steadily increasing, alleviating supply risk concerns in the coming weeks [1] Group 2 - Despite potential sanctions tightening global energy supply, skepticism about the extent of Trump's actions has kept energy prices relatively stable [2] - The Kremlin is considering various concession options, including an aerial ceasefire agreement with Ukraine [2] - Europe is intensifying natural gas storage efforts for winter, with pipeline gas transport from Norway nearing maximum capacity [2]

Group 1 - European natural gas benchmark futures prices are expected to decline by over 3% by the end of this week [1] - The decline follows the European Union's approval of a new package of sanctions against Russia [1] - The sanctions include a revision of the oil price cap [1]

Group 1 - European natural gas benchmark futures prices increased by 3.2% [1]

Core Viewpoint - European natural gas benchmark futures prices rose by over 5% on Thursday, following a slight pause after five consecutive days of increases. Traders are closely monitoring the developments of the conflict between Israel and Iran, although global natural gas flows have not yet been affected by the situation [1]. Group 1 - European natural gas benchmark futures prices increased by more than 5% on Thursday [1] - The previous trading day saw a slight pause after five consecutive days of price increases [1] - Traders are paying close attention to the developments in the Israel-Iran conflict [1]