Market News

Friday 31st July

Written by Optimisation Desk | Jul 31, 2026, 9:28:09 AM

Prices fall in a volatile trading session on optimism about renewed Hormuz talks

 

Gas and power

Prices fell on Thursday as markets experienced another volatile trading session. Geopolitical events were the key driver of price action, as overnight US missile strikes targeted Iranian military facilities and drone strikes damaged gas vessels in Egypt. Optimism came from reports that Iran and Oman were continuing discussions on joint management of the Strait of Hormuz. Below seasonal normal wind generation was likely to support short-term power prices for the remainder of this week, with wind speeds expected to increase from Monday. 

Adjacent markets

Oil prices fell during yesterday’s session despite fresh overnight strikes between the US and Iran, as markets took encouragement from reports that Oman and Iran were discussing the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, equity markets moved higher as investors digested the latest central bank decisions, with both the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England leaving interest rates unchanged. The improved sentiment helped propel the FTSE to a fresh record high during the session.

 

NBP (p/therm)

 

UK Base (£/MWh)

 
 

Close

Day on Day

Close

Day on Day

Sep-26

142.948

-5.740

120.095

-2.950

Oct-26

143.370

-5.660

116.530

-3.510

Nov-26

146.513

-5.110

127.535

-3.620

Q4-26

145.933

-5.140

123.515

-3.360

Q1-27

139.301

-4.050

119.040

-2.650

Q2-27

97.279

-2.220

85.930

-1.000

Win-26

142.635

-4.610

121.250

-3.130

Sum-27

93.977

-2.230

83.510

-1.120

Win-27

92.989

-1.640

85.295

-1.120

Sum-28

68.110

-0.860

63.885

-0.910

Win-28

75.788

-0.450

72.390

-0.180

Closing prices

Closing price as of 30 Jul 2026

NBP (p/therm)

Sep-26

142.95

Q4-26

145.93

 
 

Q1-27

139.30

Win-26

142.64

Sum-27

93.98

 

UK Base (£/MWh)

Sep-26

120.10

Q4-26

123.52

 
 

Q1-27

119.04

Win-26

121.25

Sum-27

83.51