DOHA: Iranian strikes on key energy facilities have disrupted around 17% of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue losses and raising concerns over global energy supplies, the chief executive of QatarEnergy said on Thursday.
Saad al-Kaabi, who also serves as Qatar’s minister of state for energy affairs, told Reuters that two out of the country’s 14 LNG production trains and one gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility were damaged in the attacks.
The disruption is expected to sideline approximately 12.8 million tonnes per year of LNG output for a period of three to five years, significantly affecting exports to key markets in Europe and Asia.
QatarEnergy has declared force majeure on several long-term supply contracts, impacting shipments to countries including Italy, Belgium, South Korea and China, as production remains halted.
Kaabi said operations could only resume once hostilities in the region subside, highlighting the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.
The affected facilities include joint ventures with major international firms such as ExxonMobil and Shell, which have stakes in the damaged LNG and GTL units.
The broader impact extends beyond LNG exports, with Qatar’s condensate shipments expected to fall by 24%, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 13%, helium output by 14%, and naphtha and sulphur by around 6%.
Energy analysts warn that the disruption could have far-reaching consequences for global industries, including manufacturing and technology sectors dependent on these byproducts.
The attacks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, following Israeli strikes on Iranian energy facilities, prompting retaliatory actions by Tehran across the Gulf region.
Kaabi stressed that energy infrastructure should not be targeted in conflicts, warning that continued escalation could destabilize global energy markets and undermine regional security.