QatarEnergy May Declare Long‑Term Force Majeure on LNG Contracts After Iranian Attacks

Qatar’s energy giant QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on several long‑term liquefied natural gas (LNG) export contracts following extensive damage to its Ras Laffan production facilities in recent Iranian missile attacks. The company’s CEO told reporters that contracts with buyers in Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China could be affected for up to three to five years as reconstruction efforts continue.  

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The Iranian strikes significantly curtailed Qatar’s LNG export capacity, removing approximately 17 % of its global supply capability. The force majeure declaration legally releases QatarEnergy from delivery obligations while the facilities are offline, raising concerns of tighter global gas supplies and higher energy prices.  

Energy analysts warn that prolonged disruption in Qatari LNG output a major pillar of the global natural gas market could push buyers to diversify their sources, including greater LNG imports from the United States and other producers.