Qatar LNG Supply Remains Scarce Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is bracing for another winter of disruptions, according to Yukio Kani, chairman and CEO of Japan's Jera Co., the world's largest LNG buyer. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major chokepoint, limiting flows from the Middle East.

Jera expects supply from Qatar, a significant region that accounted for about 20% of global supply before the war in the Middle East, to remain scarce. 'We don't expect Qatar LNG coming back to the market soon,' Kani said.

LNG spot prices have more than doubled compared to last year, and market participants are growing increasingly concerned about this winter's prospects. As temperatures drop, demand for natural gas is expected to rise, putting further pressure on already strained supply chains.