QatarEnergy extends LNG force majeure

Dawn reported that QatarEnergy has extended its force majeure declarations, leaving it unable to ship liquefied natural gas to Italy's Edison and some Asian buyers while the Strait of Hormuz stays shut. Edison, counted among QatarEnergy's main European customers, now expects no cargoes before early December, the Italian firm confirmed. The notice dates back to April, when the US-Iran war disrupted supplies, and buyers in Asia, including Bangladesh and Pakistan, were told the notices now run until November.

Reuters calculated at the end of August that Qatar's LNG exports had fallen by 96 per cent, placing the country among the hardest-hit economies in the conflict. ICIS data show only 18 cargoes left Qatar through August, compared with 509 in the same stretch last year. Neighbouring Gulf exporters have found ways to ship some oil out of the Strait in secret, while Qatar's gas exports have stayed far lower.

Edison has so far replaced 23 of the 35 undelivered cargoes, mainly by turning to US suppliers, and says QatarEnergy will cancel six more. Winter heating demand starts within days, so European buyers must find supply elsewhere to refill storage, a move that will sharpen competition with Asian clients and keep gas prices high.