Qatar Turns to US LNG as Iran Conflict Halts Exports

Qatar is exploring long-term agreements to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US suppliers due to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has severely impacted its ability to supply customers. According to people familiar with the matter, QatarEnergy is interested in securing supplies from existing and under-construction export projects.

The discussions are a result of the war's crippling effect on Qatar's LNG shipments, which have all but halted due to the riskiness of moving gas tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. This highlights how the US-Iran conflict is forcing Qatar to seek alternative sources of gas to meet its customers' needs.

QatarEnergy was previously planning to nearly double production from the Ras Laffan LNG export plant by 2030, but the facility has been damaged and may take three to five years to fully repair. The war shows no signs of ending soon, with Iran ready to escalate and top US officials raising the prospect that it could last through 2029.