Qatar's LNG Exports Plummet Amid Ongoing Middle East Conflict

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruption to Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, resulting in a massive shortfall of around 30 million tonnes. According to estimates by Pratiksha Negi, an independent consultant and LNG market specialist, Qatari LNG exports amounted to approximately 17 million tonnes from January to July 2026, down 65% compared to the same period last year.

Negi suggests that once the Strait of Hormuz reopens and a concrete resolution is reached between Iran and the US, Qatar's LNG exports could restart relatively quickly. However, the normalization of shipments will be gradual due to damaged Ras Laffan liquefaction trains with a combined capacity of 12.8 million tonnes per annum (mtpa), removing around 17% of Qatar's current LNG production capacity.

Restoring this capacity is expected to take several years, potentially up to four or five years, according to some sources. Additionally, the North Field expansion project has been disrupted by the conflict, which could further delay the recovery of Qatar's LNG exports.