CFTC Extends Public Comment Period on 24/7 Futures Trading and Energy Perpetual Contracts

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has announced a 30-day extension to the public comment period regarding two emerging developments in energy derivatives markets: transitioning standard futures contracts to continuous 24/7 trading schedules and the potential listing of energy commodity perpetual contracts. The revised deadline for public comments has been set for August 26, 2026. The regulator stated that the extension comes in response to requests from market participants and coincides with the inclusion of several additional questions in the consultation request. The Commission's request for comment focuses on two primary regulatory areas. The first examines the transition of standard futures contracts—including energy derivatives—to a 24/7 trading format without changing fixed expiration terms or creating material economic shifts in settlement or delivery structures. The second area evaluates perpetual contracts that reference storable or physically delivered energy commodities. According to the CFTC, the additional questions were framed following extensive discussions with industry stakeholders to support thorough due diligence and evaluate potential regulatory impacts. Feedback can be submitted electronically through Regulations.gov or via alternative methods detailed in the official notice. All received submissions will be published on the government portal.