Qatar Extends Force Majeure as Hormuz Crisis Still Blocks LNG Traffic

Qatar’s state-owned QatarEnergy has extended by several weeks its force majeure on LNG deliveries to customers as the LNG flows at the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked despite increased oil flows. QatarEnergy has notified buyers in Pakistan and Bangladesh this week that LNG cargo cancellations would continue through October, traders with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg on Friday. Some previously planned deliveries to Europe under long-term deals have also been cancelled beyond September, with Edison of Italy saying the force majeure…

LNG Market Background

The global LNG market has undergone a structural transformation in recent years, with U.S. exports reshaping trade flows and providing consuming nations with greater supply optionality. European buyers have accelerated long-term LNG contracting following the disruption of Russian pipeline gas supplies.

New LNG liquefaction capacity — from the U.S. Gulf Coast, Qatar's North Field expansion, and Australian projects — is expected to add significant supply volumes through the late 2020s, with implications for long-term contract pricing and spot market dynamics.

What to Watch

Stakeholders will be tracking spot LNG cargo pricing in Asian and European markets, liquefaction plant utilization rates, and upcoming long-term supply contract negotiations as global LNG trade flows continue to evolve.