Market Insight: Long-Term

Movement on the far-curve of UK energy markets has been largely driven by oil and carbon during October. Oil prices have posted losses of over 8% on month as coronavirus cases continue to rise and many major economies enter stricter lockdowns. Lack of resolution around a further economic stimulus package for the US has also pressured prices along with news of building US inventories. Increasing production from Libya has further threatened to knock the supply/demand balance off course. The commodity currently trades well below the $40/bbl mark.

Carbon prices have been pressured by high auction volumes and demand fears linked to coronavirus. Healthy renewable generation across continental Europe has also applied pressure. The commodity currently trades at €23/tCO2e, down over 13% on month and significantly lower than the €30/tCO2e mark touched in July.

Market Outlook

In the shorter term, the outlook is bullish with temperatures set to fall into November and settled conditions could threaten wind generation levels. The LNG picture has improved in the short-term but the sustainability of this, given rising Asian hub prices and a forecast cool Asian winter, remains to be seen. Further ahead, the picture is neutral to bullish. Whilst the wider commodity complex has weakened during October, the potential for cool UK temperatures in November and December, and competition with Asian hubs for LNG deliveries, could see gas storage being utilised significantly for system flexibility. The consequences of which would knock on to the front season as storage facilities look to refill depleted supplies.

The market contango has continued to soften and could indicate a period of backwardation is on the horizon. Fixed clients should consider the opportunity backwardation could present for securing volume further ahead. Alternatively, clients should select a longer-term flexible strategy to take advantage of any emerging opportunities to secure volume further ahead.