Qatar Prolongs Force Majeure on LNG Deliveries

State producer QatarEnergy has extended its force majeure on liquefied natural gas supply until mid-June, according to sources familiar with the situation, as tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains largely restricted.

Customers of QatarEnergy received this notification, as stated by individuals who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak on the issue. QatarEnergy has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Force majeure is invoked when extraordinary circumstances hinder companies from fulfilling their contractual obligations. QatarEnergy has issued periodic force majeure notices since the onset of the Iran conflict in late February.

Global gas prices in Europe and Asia have risen sharply since the outbreak of the conflict, with nearly 20% of LNG supplies disrupted, including those from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility sustained damage from Iranian missile strikes in March.