Why has Qatar extended force majeure on LNG supplies to Europe and Asia, and what is the central constraint preventing resumption?

Qatar has extended force majeure on LNG supplies to European and Asian buyers—including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Italy’s Edison SpA—by another month due to ongoing uncertainty over the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which clouds prospects for restoring Persian Gulf energy flows. The central constraint is that LNG carriers are scarcer and more valuable than oil tankers, and unlike oil—which can be shuttled through the strait using smaller vessels for transfer to larger ships waiting outside—Qatari LNG cannot yet be moved at scale via such workarounds; moreover, LNG ships are closely tied to Qatar’s state-owned producer and shipowner, making 'going dark' or high-risk transits an unacceptable capital and safety risk compared to oil tanker operations.

What is the current operational status of Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility, and how does it relate to the Hormuz disruption?

Qatar has been operating its Ras Laffan LNG facility at reduced rates since it was attacked and shut down in March; however, the plant remains on standby and is kept ready to ramp up output rapidly if the Strait of Hormuz reopens fully.

Qatar Extends LNG Force Majeure as Hormuz Traffic Remains Halted

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FAQ