Qatar Turns to US for Alternative LNG Supplies Amid Iran War Disruptions

Qatar is seeking long-term agreements to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US suppliers due to disruptions in its own exports caused by the Iran war. State-owned QatarEnergy is in private negotiations with both operating and under-construction US export projects, according to people familiar with the talks.

The potential deals would mark the first sign that Qatar is looking beyond the Middle East for alternative LNG supplies since the conflict began in late February. The country's LNG shipments have nearly stopped due to risks associated with moving gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

QatarEnergy was previously advancing plans to double production from its Ras Laffan LNG export complex by 2030, but the facility was damaged in an Iranian strike and repairs could take three to five years. With no clear end to the war in sight, Qatar is reportedly strengthening its LNG trading activities and seeking supplies outside the Gulf.