QatarEnergy halts LNG production amid military strikes

(Sharecast News) - QatarEnergy has halted production of liquefied natural gas and associated products after military attacks targeted its operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City, the state-owned company said on Monday.

In a statement cited by Reuters and other outlets, QatarEnergy said it had "ceased production of liquefied natural gas and associated products" due to military strikes on its facilities.

The company did not disclose the extent of the damage but said it would continue to monitor developments and keep stakeholders informed.

Bloomberg reported that LNG production was stopped at Ras Laffan following the attacks, with Qatar's defence ministry earlier saying a drone had targeted a water tank at a power plant in the complex and another an energy facility in Ras Laffan.

The halt affected output from the giant North Field, which underpins QatarEnergy's nameplate LNG capacity of 77 million tonnes per annum and supports multiple long-term supply contracts with leading global buyers.

Ras Laffan, often described as the "LNG capital of the world", is one of the largest LNG production hubs globally, while Mesaieed Industrial City hosts major petrochemical and energy processing infrastructure.

Qatar ranks among the top three LNG exporters worldwide and controls roughly a quarter of projected global LNG supply over the coming decade.

The suspension came amid escalating tensions across the Gulf, with reports Iran had launched missile and drone strikes targeting locations in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and other regional states in retaliation for coordinated military actions against Iranian targets.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.