Qatar Extends LNG Force Majeure Amid Uncertainty Over Hormuz Reopening

Qatar has extended its force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to European and Asian buyers until at least October. The move comes as uncertainty remains over the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for energy exports.

The state-owned QatarEnergy notified Pakistani buyers that LNG cargo cancellations will continue into October, according to traders familiar with the matter. Force majeure on supplies to Bangladesh has also been extended beyond September, they said.

Italy's Edison SpA, one of QatarEnergy's customers, confirmed that cancellations were extended into early November. Other European traders have also started receiving notices, according to two other people aware of the development.

LNG flows through Hormuz remain near a standstill, even as an increasing number of oil tankers navigate the waterway using tactics such as shuttling and switching off transponders while crossing high-risk areas.