Qatar Prepares to Restart LNG Exports Amid Strait of Hormuz Concerns

Qatar is preparing to restart its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports after declaring force majeure following Iranian strikes on the Ras Laffan complex in early March. According to Bloomberg, six empty LNG tankers are en route to Qatar, with another tanker recently crossing the Strait of Hormuz and heading for the Qatari coast.

The data from ship-tracking firm Kpler shows that these tankers have links to Iran and are currently located in the Gulf of Oman or approaching it. This development comes after QatarEnergy successfully sent an LNG cargo via the Strait of Hormuz at the end of July, three weeks after one of its LNG carriers was struck.

In June, QatarEnergy told its customers that it could restore about 50% of its production capacity within a month after safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is restored. Within two months, the company could return 80% of its capacity.