A disruption in Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has begun affecting global energy supply chains, prompting major energy companies including Shell plc and TotalEnergies to declare force majeure on some contracts.
The disruption started after QatarEnergy, Qatar’s state-owned energy giant, halted LNG production at key facilities following military attacks and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The company subsequently declared force majeure, a legal clause that allows firms to suspend contractual obligations due to events beyond their control.
Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, and any interruption to its production can have significant global consequences. The suspension of output has raised concerns about supply shortages and price volatility in international gas markets.
Following the disruption, Shell — the world’s largest LNG trader — notified customers that it would invoke force majeure on cargoes purchased from Qatar and destined for global markets. The declaration allows the company to temporarily halt deliveries without facing contractual penalties.
Other LNG buyers have also been affected. Several companies and trading partners have informed their clients that they will suspend sales of Qatari LNG while the production shutdown continues. However, sources familiar with the situation indicated that TotalEnergies has received force majeure notices from Qatar but has not formally declared force majeure itself.
The disruption stems from heightened regional tensions and attacks targeting critical energy infrastructure in Qatar. These developments have increased concerns about energy security and the vulnerability of global supply chains that depend heavily on Middle Eastern exports.
Energy analysts warn that if the outage continues, LNG deliveries could be affected starting in April, potentially tightening global gas supplies and pushing prices higher in international markets.
Industry officials say restoring normal production could take weeks or even months, depending on how quickly the security situation in the region stabilizes.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök