Qatari LNG Vessels Move Towards Hormuz Amid Signs of Export Resumption

Qatar's LNG exports may be poised for a return to normal after an attack on one of its tankers in late July caused shipments to almost completely halt. According to Bloomberg-compiled ship-tracking data, six empty Qatari-linked LNG carriers are currently either in the Gulf of Oman or sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes as QatarEnergy has continued loading LNG onto empty vessels available inside the Gulf and supplying fuel to Kuwait to manage its storage levels. However, the extended interruption to exports has reduced Qatar's supply of available empty LNG carriers, with 15 vessels currently idled behind Hormuz.

The disruption has forced LNG buyers in Asia and Europe to seek supplies elsewhere, contributing to higher prices. A return of Qatari cargoes could ease some of that pressure, particularly for price-sensitive buyers in South Asia, where shortages have contributed to power blackouts.