Iranian missile and rocket strikes on QatarEnergy’s Ras Laffan LNG facility have caused damage that will cut Doha’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity by about 17%, QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi told Reuters on March 19, 2026. The disruption threatens global LNG supplies to Europe and Asia and could result in an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue.
Damage to LNG Trains and Gas-to-Liquids Facilities
The attacks damaged two LNG trains and one of QatarEnergy’s two gas-to-liquids plants at the Ras Laffan Industrial City, sidelining approximately 12.8 million tons per year of LNG production. Al-Kaabi said repairs are expected to take three to five years, forcing QatarEnergy to declare force majeure on its entire LNG output and suspend deliveries under long-term contracts covering supplies to Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China.
Regional Tensions and Impact on Global Energy Markets
The strikes followed an Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field, escalating regional hostilities. Al-Kaabi condemned the attack, particularly its timing during Ramadan and the involvement of a fellow Muslim country. The state-owned company reported fires and extensive damage but no casualties. Qatar supplies nearly 20% of the world’s LNG, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump warned on social media that the U.S. could respond with overwhelming force if Qatar’s LNG facilities are targeted again, stressing the geopolitical risks surrounding Gulf energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict.
Conditions for Restarting Production
Al-Kaabi emphasized production cannot resume until hostilities cease. He called on all countries involved to avoid attacks on energy facilities, stating the conflict between Israel and Iran should not impact Qatar or regional stability. QatarEnergy’s force majeure declaration allows the company to suspend contractual obligations while addressing the damage sustained during the attacks.
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