[MARKET ANALYSIS] Crude prices rebound slightly following Asia-Pac weakness; Nat Gas prices remain elevated

• Crude benchmarks softened in the earlier hours of the Asia-Pac session, following a NY Post report that US President Trump is determined to drive California gas prices down. WTI futures fell from USD 60.85/bbl to a trough of USD 60.17/bbl following the report but has since rebounded slightly as the European session gets underway, however holding below the USD 61/bbl handle. Geopolitical tensions remain in the spotlight, with continued attacks on energy facilities in Ukraine, recently reported by DTEK Power Company.
• Nat Gas prices remain elevated, with Dutch TTF holding above EUR 40/MWh while Henry Hub futures hover near USD 7/MMBtu, as the Arctic storm provides a short-term shock to gas production.

Crude prices initially dipped due to political rhetoric aimed at reducing gas prices in California but have since shown a slight recovery as European trading begins. However, ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly in Ukraine, along with elevated natural gas prices amid an Arctic storm, may keep the energy markets on edge and influence broader commodity sentiment.