Qatar resumes LNG shipments through Strait of Hormuz

The LNG tanker Al Marrouna has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking Qatar’s first LNG shipment through the strategic waterway since July. The vessel, loaded in Qatar earlier this month, is currently in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to arrive at Qasim port in Pakistan this Thursday.

This movement suggests a potential resumption of larger-scale Qatari LNG exports, which have been largely stalled due to regional tensions and a previous attack on a Qatari oil tanker. Prior to the escalation of conflict, Qatar accounted for approximately 20% of global LNG exports. The disruption in supply has contributed to gas prices in Europe and Asia reaching three-year highs.

While current export volumes remain significantly lower than the pre-conflict average of three shipments per day, the resumption of transit could alleviate supply shortages and power outages in South Asian markets. Meanwhile, Iran has indicated that it and Oman are nearing an agreement to manage maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.