Aerial view of the Strait of Hormuz
How Hormuz chokehold threatens LNG buyers
A potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the escalating US-Iran conflict risks disrupting Qatari LNG exports that underpin global gas markets, exposing Asia and other markets to sharp price spikes, cargo shortages and renewed reliance on dirtier fuels
QatarEnergy confirmed on 2 March it had halted production of LNG following military strikes against its facilities in Ras Laffan, responsible for around a fifth of global LNG exports. Earlier, the country’s defence ministry confirmed a drone launched from Iran had targeted a power plant at the LNG hub, without specifying whether any damage had been sustained. As the US and Israel continue strikes against Iran, Tehran has warned that vessels will not be allowed passage through the Strait of Hormuz—the only way Qatar can export its roughly 80mt/yr of LNG cargoes to open waters. And numerous LNG carriers are reported to be either anchored in open waters outside the strait or stuck on the opposi
Also in this section
14 April 2026
The GECF has warned it may revise its projections for demand this year downwards in light of conflict in the Middle East, although it maintains its forecasts for 2027 and onwards
13 April 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis highlights sharp shift from crude oversupply to market deficit, with Iraq and Kuwait badly affected and key producers Saudi Arabia and the UAE also seeing output sharply lower
13 April 2026
Turkmenistan is moving ahead with a modest expansion of the giant Galkynysh field to sustain gas deliveries abroad, but persistent delays to other key pipeline projects and geopolitical risks continue to constrain its export ambitions
13 April 2026
Expensive electricity has forced out swathes of energy-intensive industry and now threatens the country’s ability to attract future investment in datacentres and the digital economy
