QatarEnergy halts LNG production amid escalating Mideast war

Qatar’s state-owned energy giant, QatarEnergy, has temporarily suspended liquefied natural gas production following military strikes on its strategic Ras Laffan industrial complex.

The company confirmed the halt in a brief statement, citing attacks that targeted facilities within the vast energy hub. According to Qatar’s Ministry of Defence, a drone struck a water tank at a power plant inside the complex. Another drone reportedly targeted an energy facility in the same area.

Ras Laffan is the heart of Qatar’s LNG exports. The Gulf nation is one of the world’s largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas, alongside the United States and Australia. Any disruption at the site carries immediate global consequences.

Energy analysts warn that prolonged outages could tighten global gas supplies. Europe and Asia rely heavily on Qatari LNG shipments, especially after supply shifts triggered by the war in Ukraine.

QatarEnergy said it is assessing the damage and prioritising the safety of workers. No casualties have been reported so far. The company did not specify when operations might resume.

Global energy markets are now watching closely. LNG prices could see renewed volatility if the suspension continues. The incident underscores growing risks to critical infrastructure as tensions escalate across the Middle East.

Further updates are expected as authorities investigate the attacks and evaluate the extent of the disruption.

AGENCIES