Qatar Seeks LNG Relief from US Amid Iran War Disruptions

Qatar is in talks to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US suppliers under long-term agreements as the Iran war severely disrupts its ability to serve customers, according to a report by Bloomberg. The state-owned QatarEnergy is considering supplies from both operating and under-construction US export projects.

The potential agreements would mark the first indication since the war began that Qatar is looking beyond the Middle East to expand its LNG portfolio and secure alternative supplies for its customers. Qatar previously accounted for around one-fifth of global LNG supplies, but its shipments have almost entirely stopped because of the risks associated with moving gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

QatarEnergy's Ras Laffan LNG export complex was damaged in an Iranian strike during the early weeks of the conflict. Full repairs could take between three and five years, according to earlier reports.