Qatar LNG exports drop 96% amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions

Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports have plummeted due to severe traffic disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that Qatari LNG exports fell by 96%, with Doha losing approximately $24 billion in revenue. In the last six months, Qatar managed only 18 gas shipments, compared to 509 during the same period last year.

QatarEnergy has extended its force majeure status for LNG deliveries to customers in Europe and Asia, as regular transit through the Strait remains largely frozen. The company has notified buyers in Pakistan and Bangladesh that cancellations and supply disruptions will continue through October and beyond. The Italian utility Edison reported that QatarEnergy will be unable to deliver five additional scheduled shipments between late September and early November, bringing the total affected shipments under its contract to 29 since April.

While the disruption has strained European gas reserves to seasonal lows, increased exports from the United States have partially compensated for the decline in Qatari supply. Analysts suggest that without a political solution, the supply instability is likely to persist as QatarEnergy lacks a reliable date for resuming normal export operations.