QatarEnergy Extends Force Majeure Notifies on LNG Deliveries Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure

QatarEnergy has extended force majeure notices for liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to Italian utility Edison and some Asian clients due to disruptions caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. The notice, first issued in April, affects LNG exports from Qatar, which have been slashed by 96% since August, according to Reuters calculations.

The force majeure notice means that Edison will not receive LNG cargoes until December, while Asian clients, including those in Bangladesh and Pakistan, were informed of the extension until November. This comes as the winter heating season starts, leading to increased competition for limited global supply.

Italy's Edison holds a long-term contract with QatarEnergy for 6.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, around 10% of Italy's total consumption. The company has already replaced 23 cancelled LNG cargoes with shipments from US suppliers, according to an Italian energy markets platform.