The benchmark European gas contract has fallen by around 8.5 per cent on Friday afternoon, on hopes that possible further talks between the United States and Iran at the weekend could signal an end to the war, Reuters reports.

US President Donald Trump has said a deal to end the war in Iran could be reached soon, although the timing remains unclear, while US allies are gathering to discuss reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

The Dutch gas contract for May fell by 8.5pc to €38.8 per megawatt hour by around 1258 GMT, ICE data shows.

Opinion

Trouble at home

Trouble at home

The country’s strength lies in its political and economic stability, not in fleeting moments of diplomatic success.

Editorial

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