QatarEnergy halts LNG production following attacks

An image of Ras Laffan Industrial City. (Image: Marus and Weimer)

QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products following military attacks on its operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar.

The shutdown affects one of the world’s largest LNG production systems. QatarEnergy LNG operates 14 LNG trains with a total production capacity of approximately 77 million metric tonnes per year (mtpa), all centered at Ras Laffan, the country’s primary export hub.

Qatar is a cornerstone supplier to global gas markets, accounting for roughly 20% of worldwide LNG supply, making any disruption to its operations significant for energy markets in Asia and Europe.

The country is also in the midst of a major expansion of its North Field development, which is expected to increase LNG production capacity to 126 mtpa by 2026–2027 and potentially to 142 mtpa by the end of the decade.