QatarEnergy has secured a long-term deal with Cheniere Energy to buy up to 4 million tonnes a year of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US facilities. The agreement, signed on 22 October, ensures deliveries starting in 2031 and running until 2054, providing Qatar with a reliable supply route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.
The deal allows QatarEnergy to take ownership of the cargoes at US terminals and ship them directly to customers, avoiding the Hormuz route entirely. This move comes amid disruptions caused by the Iran war, ensuring Qatar can meet its global supply commitments regardless of conditions in the Gulf.
Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatar's minister of state for energy affairs and CEO of QatarEnergy, highlighted that the agreement strengthens the company's ability to serve customers worldwide. The deal complements QatarEnergy's 70% stake in the Golden Pass LNG project in Texas, which began exports in April.
By securing US LNG supplies, Qatar is diversifying its supply base outside the Middle East, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable provider in the global LNG market.