Market Update
Renewed attacks on commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz, followed by US strikes on Iranian targets, have kept gas markets volatile. A sustained return of LNG cargoes through the Strait would help prices ease.
Gas is the most exposed fuel because Europe still needs LNG cargoes to refill storage ahead of winter. European storage remains below its pre-crisis average, although the European Commission says there is no immediate supply-security concern. Competition for LNG could keep summer gas prices high.
The Met Office expects the hottest weather on Thursday and Friday, with very warm conditions continuing in places next week. For pubs, that can mean higher cooling demand during the busiest trading hours.
Business Energy Costs
Gas commodity cost is back above the late-June sample. Electricity commodity cost is back at 10.3p per kWh, the same as 12 June. Gas remains exposed to disruption to LNG shipping. Electricity commodity costs are only one part of the bill. Network, balancing and policy-related charges also add pressure to all-in energy costs.
| Commodity Cost | Av Unit Rate | Av Standing/Ch | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 12/06/2026 | 10.3p | 27.6p | £1.30 |
| 25/06/2026 | 9.0p | 27.1p | £1.42 | |
| 09/07/2026 | 10.3p | 27.6p | £1.13 | |
| Gas | 12/06/2026 | 4.0p | 6.8p | £0.91 |
| 25/06/2026 | 3.3p | 6.8p | £0.85 | |
| 09/07/2026 | 4.1p | 6.7p | £0.65 |
Compared with late February, electricity commodity cost is still about 3.4p per kWh higher and gas about 1.6p higher. Pubs with 6-12 months before renewal can watch the next few weeks. Pubs inside three months should get fresh offers now. Check the standing charge as closely as the unit rate. For multi-site operators, it repeats at every premises.
Supplier Challenges
Supplier problems are still practical and expensive. EDF has added a new example. EDF has advised that active contracts and future-dated agreements must have a valid Direct Debit in place. If there is no active Direct Debit, EDF may cancel the contract and move the site onto deemed rates. For a pub, that can mean losing the agreed price before it starts. Before changing payment method, check with Nationwide. We can make sure the supplier has the right authority before the problem becomes a debt argument.
Nationwide Energy offers the support you need to make your next energy contract transition smoother, deal with supplier issues, or review your energy consumption.
Contact Us Today
Tel: 02476 328995 Email: info@nationwide-energy.co.uk https://nationwide-energy.co.uk/free-guides-to-help-your-business/
Graph produced by Cornwall Insight in conjunction with Drax Energy Solutions, 09/07/2026.