European oil and gas stocks reach record high as crude prices surge
European energy shares reached an all-time peak today as Brent crude hit a six-month high. Investors remain focused on rising tensions between the US and Iran.
Insights:
The STOXX Europe 600 Oil & Gas index reached a record high on February 23, 2026, surpassing its previous peak established in 2007. The index climbed to a level of 1450 in London, United Kingdom 
GB, representing a 1.5% increase during the day's trading session. This milestone highlights a period of significant outperformance for the European oil and gas sector relative to the wider market.
GB, representing a 1.5% increase during the day's trading session. This milestone highlights a period of significant outperformance for the European oil and gas sector relative to the wider market.Year-to-date, oil and gas equities have surged by 17%, a figure that stands in contrast to the 6.5% rise seen in the pan-European STOXX 600 index. This upward trajectory for the sector has been fueled by a substantial rise in energy costs. Brent crude hit a six-month high of $72.44 a barrel on Monday, bringing its total gains for 2026 to nearly 19%.
