Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:24am on 19 Mar 2026,Thursday International
Gas prices rose sharply in the UK and Europe after attacks on key energy sites in Qatar and Iran. Prices jumped more than 25% in early trading before easing slightly. They are now more than double the level seen before the conflict began. The rise followed damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, a major gas hub. Experts say the spike reflects fears of long disruption. “The jump is huge,” said Matthieu Favas of The Economist. He added that hopes of a quick restart now look unlikely. Prices may rise further as demand increases later in the year.
