Qatar Extends LNG Force Majeure Amid Hormuz Disruptions

Qatar has extended its force majeure notice on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to buyers in Asia and Europe, citing disruption to fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The cancellations affect Bangladesh and Pakistan, with at least one Indian buyer also receiving a notice to cancel scheduled cargoes until November.

QatarEnergy has been regularly updating customers on supply since the US-Iran war began, cancelling or suspending some scheduled cargoes almost every month. Force majeure is a contractual provision that excuses a party from certain obligations if it cannot deliver due to circumstances beyond its control.

The Hormuz flows remain below normal levels, with Qatar managing to raise LNG shipments through the strait somewhat this month but still well below pre-war levels. Roughly one-fifth of global LNG supply passed through the waterway last year, and prolonged instability threatens the wider market.