Hormuz Disruption Shuts Down Qatar's LNG Exports Amid Global Market Volatility

Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have plummeted to historic lows, falling by a staggering 96% due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf energy giant shipped just 18 LNG cargoes over the past six months compared to 509 during the same period last year, according to Reuters data.

This drastic decline has resulted in an estimated $24 billion loss for Qatar, equivalent to around five months' worth of income based on 2025 figures. The country's vulnerability is particularly significant because it previously supplied nearly 20% of global LNG, with much of its exports reliant on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The supply shortfall has opened doors for US LNG exporters, whose shipments have surged this year as global buyers seek alternatives to disrupted Qatari supplies. Reuters reported that U.S. LNG exports rose 23% year-on-year through July.