Qatar Extends LNG Force Majeure by a Month Amid Hormuz Strait Crisis

Qatar has extended force majeure measures on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Asia and Europe for an additional month, citing ongoing disruptions to energy traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz. Qatar Energy informed clients in Pakistan and Bangladesh this week that LNG shipment cancellations will persist until November. An Indian buyer received a similar notification, while Italian company Edison announced suspended supplies for them until early December. The company consistently updates clients almost monthly on force majeure procedures and scheduled shipment cancellations since the conflict with Iran began, but has issued no immediate comment on these latest developments. Qatar increased shipment volumes through the Strait of Hormuz in September compared to prior months, though flows remained well below pre-conflict levels. This occurred as Iran maintained its conditions for full reopening, and US President Donald Trump's statements sent mixed signals about potential agreement. The continuing crisis has pressured this vital waterway, which carries about one-fifth of global LNG supplies annually. Concerns are mounting over sustained shipment restrictions without a clear US-Iran peace agreement. These disruptions have pushed natural gas prices in Europe and Asia towards their highest levels since late 2022, signaling rising energy costs and utility bills for the Northern Hemisphere's winter. The Ras Laffan LNG export facility operates at reduced capacity since an attack last March damaged some infrastructure. However, the company keeps the facility ready for rapid production increases once the Strait of Hormuz reopens and navigation normalizes. The crisis highlights Qatar's importance as a major global LNG exporter, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical and highly sensitive choke point for international energy trade.