Qatar's LNG Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz See Unexpected Boost

Qatar's LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have picked up pace in recent weeks, according to data from Bloomberg. In the last week, at least two fully laden gas carriers exited the waterway and at least two vessels entered the Persian Gulf.

The four ships did not broadcast signals while crossing Hormuz, which is not unusual due to jamming and interference in the area.

QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company, did not respond to a request for comment. The increased shipments are a welcome boost after Qatar sharply reduced exports following an attack on one of its ships earlier this year.

Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG export site, can restart undamaged units 'within a couple of weeks' once Hormuz reopens, said Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi. Maintaining some output keeps equipment ready and gives QatarEnergy flexibility to ramp up production faster.