Qatar increases LNG shipments through Strait of Hormuz

Qatar has increased the frequency of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to its highest level in over two months. Tracking data indicates that at least four loaded tankers passed through the strait in the last week, with two additional vessels entering the Gulf to prepare for new loadings. One shipment has already reached the west coast of India.

This uptick in activity represents a gradual return to export operations following a significant decline in July after a vessel attack. Despite this increase, activity remains well below pre-conflict levels, when Qatar typically dispatched approximately three LNG shipments per day. The movement comes amid rising gas prices in Europe and Asia, which have reached their highest levels since 2022 as global markets prepare for winter.

QatarEnergy has maintained certain production levels to keep export infrastructure operational, providing flexibility to scale up quickly if shipping conditions stabilize. Qatari Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi stated that undamaged sections of the Ras Laffan complex could return to full operation within weeks once the Strait of Hormuz achieves stable transit conditions.