Middle East Conflict Disrupts Qatar LNG Supply
Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Mar 19, 2026 · Last updated Mar 19, 2026
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly missile attacks on Qatar's energy infrastructure, is causing significant disruptions in the global LNG market, leading to surging spot prices and increased volatility. This situation is prompting major buyers like JERA to diversify their supply chains, shifting towards non-Middle East suppliers such as the United States and Canada, which could benefit these regions.
A prolonged U.S.-Israeli war with Iran is escalating, with Iranian missiles reportedly hitting Qatar's Ras Laffan LNG processing operations, causing extensive damage. This has led Qatar, the world's second-largest LNG exporter, to halt production at a major plant and declare force majeure on shipments, removing 90 million metric tons of LNG from the global market. Japan's largest power generator, JERA, which has a long-term deal with QatarEnergy, faces potential delays in deliveries and is considering additional spot purchases. The crisis is prompting JERA to accelerate its diversification strategy, looking to non-Middle East suppliers like the United States and Canada to ensure stable LNG supply, having already secured significant volumes from U.S. projects and considering expansion with Shell plc===LNG Canada. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for fossil fuels, is also experiencing disruptions.
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