Qatar Extends LNG Force Majeure Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions
Qatar's energy crisis continues to ripple through global markets as the country has extended its liquified natural gas force majeure by another month. The move affects LNG shipments to Asia and Europe, where supply cuts are already biting.
The disruption began in early March, when QatarEnergy implemented a force majeure following production halts at its Ras Laffan and Mesaieed facilities due to regional conflict and Iranian strikes on the plants. The company has since extended the measure several times as attacks on commercial ships continued in the Strait of Hormuz.
LNG buyers in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India are among those affected by the cargo cancellations, which will continue into November. Italian energy firm Edison said it would not receive LNG from QatarEnergy until early December. QatarEnergy has been tight-lipped on the matter, declining to comment when approached by Al-Monitor.