International energy prices experienced significant intraday volatility on the 23rd, influenced by conflicting statements from the United States and Iran regarding their dialogue.

In early trading, international oil prices continued their upward trend due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The price of Brent crude futures in London briefly rose above $113 per barrel. Subsequently, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States and Iran had engaged in "very good and productive" discussions over the past two days and that the U.S. would "delay for five days" its planned strikes on Iranian power plants. Following this announcement, London oil prices plummeted by over 10%, falling below the $100 per barrel mark.

However, Iran promptly denied any contact with the United States, reigniting market tensions. As a result, London oil prices rebounded to around $105 per barrel, narrowing the decline to approximately 6%. In the afternoon, oil prices weakened again, retreating to around $101 per barrel.

The European natural gas market exhibited similar movements. The April futures price for Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) natural gas, a benchmark for European gas prices, surged above €63 per megawatt-hour in early trading. Following Trump's remarks, it quickly retreated to around €54, only to rebound again to approximately €56 after Iran's statement.

On the same day, New York oil prices also experienced sharp fluctuations. The price of May-delivery light crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell from above $98 per barrel to as low as $84.37 per barrel.

Analysts noted that the current energy market is highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, with short-term trends heavily dependent on the progress of negotiations among relevant parties. Should tensions persist, economies with high dependence on energy imports, such as Europe, may face greater imported inflationary pressures.