Global natural gas prices continued a relentless move higher on Friday, as spot prices in Spain shattered records and all-time highs in the northern Asia market showed no signs of slowing amid a cold snap and supply crunch supporting the bullish run. 

In Spain, a major gas-consuming country that hosts more liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals than anywhere else in Europe,  Punto Virtual de Balance (PVB) spot prices hit an all-time record of $18.71/MMBtu this week. The Spanish benchmark is trading near the Japan Korea Marker (JKM) spot price, which has shot through the roof over the last week as below normal temperatures in China, Japan and South Korea left buyers in need of prompt cargoes. 

“Gas is becoming increasingly profitable right now due to the high carbon...