Middle East Conflicts Disrupt Global LNG Supplies

The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is facing significant disruptions due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Italian energy company Edison has announced that Qatar will not be able to deliver an additional three LNG cargoes scheduled for the Adriatic LNG receiving terminal in Italy, effectively extending the force majeure period from April 2026 to September 2026.

This adds to a total of 24 delayed cargo, with about 106 billion cubic feet of natural gas impacted. Edison signed a 25-year contract with QatarEnergy in 2009 to secure 226 billion cubic feet per year.

The Ras Laffan North and Ras Laffan South facilities in Qatar have been damaged by drone attacks, which could cost $26 billion to repair and may keep the country's LNG sector offline for up to five years.