The resumption of steady deliveries into Barrow and the prospect of lighter demand later this week helped to dent prompt prices and trigger a reversal of Monday’s gains in the front-summer market. Much of Monday’s prompt market strength was said to have been derived from the day’s supply wobbles, and Tuesday’s relatively stable beach flows allowed prices to ease lower. The day-ahead market followed a similar pattern to the within-day market, opening lower day-on-day.

The front-month contract was down on the day, giving back Monday’s gains and closing 0.7p/th lower at 29.55p/th. And some predicted the further decline of gas prices if the anticipated mild weather due later this month arrived as expected. Looking ahead, UK curve markets were also lower on the day, as seasonal contracts already at historic lows fell further.

Further out on the curve, periods reflected the movements of the earlier dated contracts.