March 3 (Reuters) - Britain's FTSE 100 .FTSE index is seen opening lower on Tuesday, with futures FFIc1 down 0.3%.

* SHELL: A New York state judge rejected Shell's SHEL.L request to throw out an arbitration award that favored Venture Global VG.N in a dispute over the American company's alleged improper sale of liquefied natural gas.

* SHELL: Shell SHEL.L, Exxon Mobil XOM.N, and TotalEnergies TTEF.PA are among the companies with more exposure to disruptions in oil and gas production due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, analysts said in research notes.

* RIO TINTO: Rio Tinto RIO.L said the Government of Canada has conditionally approved a non-repayable contribution of up to C$18.95 million for the miner's gallium metal research and development project.

* SHOP PRICES: British store chains raised their prices less quickly last month, offering some respite for consumers grappling with the cost of living, the British Retail Consortium said.

* OIL: Oil prices rose for a third day as the widening U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz heightened fears of supply disruptions from the key Middle East producing region.

* METAL: Aluminium extended gains as fresh Middle East tensions, including Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, fuelled shipment uncertainty and heightened supply-risk concerns.

* GOLD: Gold prices rose for a fifth consecutive session as investors sought safe-haven assets amid an escalating U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran.

* UK CORPORATE DIARY:

* For more on the factors affecting European stocks, please click on: LIVE/

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