QatarEnergy suspends LNG output after Iranian drone strikes

QatarEnergy, a major state-owned energy company and one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, has temporarily halted LNG and associated product output following Iranian drone strikes on its operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar. The closure of QatarEnergy’s facilities is expected to impact regional energy supplies, with prices already showing a consistent rise.

Qatar’s Ministry of Defense said in a statement today, “Qatar was attacked by two drones launched from the Republic of Iran.” In a statement posted on social media platform X, it added: “One drone targeted a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed, and the other targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City belonging to QatarEnergy. No human casualties have been reported. All damages and losses resulting from the attack will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and an official statement will be issued later. We urge citizens, residents, and visitors to remain calm, adhere to official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumours, and rely solely on information released through official channels.”

In a press release, QatarEnergy said, “Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products. QatarEnergy values its relationships with all stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information.”

Long-term deal with Japan
The temporary halt in LNG output follows the signing of major long-term LNG supply agreements, ranging from 20 to 27 years, with JERA (Japan) and Petronas (Malaysia) in early February 2026. In February 2026, QatarEnergy signed a 27-year agreement with Japan’s JERA for the supply of 3 MTPA (million tonnes per annum) of LNG. It also entered into a 20-year agreement with Malaysia’s Petronas for the supply of 2 MTPA of LNG.

Technip Energies was awarded a major EPCC contract for the North Field West (NFW) project, aimed at increasing LNG production capacity to 142 MTPA. Separately, QatarEnergy issued a warning about imposter scams and fraudulent investment schemes, QatarEnergy is a major state-owned energy company and one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, reporting revenues of US$52 billion and a net income of US$42.4 billion in 2022. It oversees all oil and gas operations in Qatar and currently has a production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG.

Through its subsidiary, QatarEnergy LNG (formerly Qatargas), the company operates 14 LNG trains, making it the world’s largest LNG producer. Its operations are supported by the North Field, the world’s largest non-associated gas field.

As of 2022, the company held total assets of US$162 billion. It ranks among the top global energy brands, with a brand value of US$4 billion in 2025. QatarEnergy is undertaking a significant expansion of its LNG capacity, with new projects scheduled to come online from 2026 onward and a substantial increase in overall production targeted by 2030.

Size of QatarEnergy
QatarEnergy is a major state-owned energy company and one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producers, reporting revenues of US$52 billion and a net income of US$42.4 billion in 2022. It oversees all oil and gas operations in Qatar and currently has a production capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of LNG.

Through its subsidiary, QatarEnergy LNG (formerly Qatargas), the company operates 14 LNG trains, making it the world’s largest LNG producer. Its operations are supported by the North Field, the world’s largest non-associated gas field.

As of 2022, the company held total assets of US$162 billion. It ranks among the top global energy brands, with a brand value of US$4 billion in 2025. QatarEnergy is undertaking a significant expansion of its LNG capacity, with new projects scheduled to come online from 2026 onward and a substantial increase in overall production targeted by 2030.

DILIP KUMAR JHA
Editor
dilip.jha@polymerupdate.com