Qatar’s restart of LNG exports hinges on shipping, crew costs
Qatar’s attempt to revive LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz is becoming as much a shipping and crewing problem as an energy-supply challenge. In the four weeks after the first Qatari LNG carrier crossed the waterway on September 10, about 20 laden tankers exited Hormuz, though transits volumes still are at roughly one-third of pre-war levels.
EDF suspends sale of Edison over Qatar LNG uncertainty
Edison CEO Nicola Monti has confirmed EDF suspended an IPO or sale of its minority stake in its Italian subsidiary Edison due to uncertainty over Qatari LNG deliveries, citing the lack of visibility over Qatari LNG deliveries and unfavourable market conditions. The process could resume in early 2027.
Qatar’s first North Field East LNG train ready to start up in November
QatarEnergy’s first LNG train under the North Field East expansion is expected to be ready to start operations in November, people aware of the company’s plans told Reuters, though start of commercial production could be delayed until the first quarter of 2027 as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains constraint.
Edison will not receive Qatari LNG until early December
Italian utility Edison has confirmed that QatarEnergy will not deliver LNG cargoes to its Adriatic regasification terminal until the beginning of December 2026. The Qatari state company extended force majeure, saying it would not be able to deliver another six cargoes.
Qatar expects first NFE LNG train to start up in H1-2027
QatarEnergy expects the first 8 mtpa liquefaction train at its North Field East (NFE) expansion to start up in the first half of 2027, but the timing of subsequent trains will hinge on a sustained reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, CEO Saad Sherida Al‑Kaabi said.
Glencore signs 10-year CIF LNG deal with China Suntien affiliate
Swiss commodity trader Glencore has signed a 10-year LNG supply contract with S&T International, part of China Suntien Green Energy, on a cost, insurance and freight (CIF) basis. Deliveries are expected to start in 2027.
Qatar curtails budget by 30% as LNG revenues collapse
The Qatari government has ordered ministries to cut their budgets by up to 30% and slash overseas aid after LNG revenues collapsed. The 2026 state budget had been set at $61 billion at the start of the year, but since then, Qatar’s LNG-dependent economy has been hit hard by war-related damage to its Ras Laffan LNG hub and persistent shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar LNG loading rise as Ras Laffan production resumes
QatarEnergies is loading the most LNG in a month with the 10-day moving average for LNG loadings from the giant Ras Laffan complex reaching around 80,000 tons in preparation for a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
QatarEnergies extends force majeure on Edison LNG cargoes
QatarEnergies has notified Edison that it is unable to deliver three LNG cargoes, extending force majeure until the end of September, the Italian utility stated. A total of 24 cargoes, representing a combined 3 bcm of natural gas, are now subject to force majeure over the April-September delivery window, with Edison saying it has already replaced most of the lost volumes.
LNG importers seek optionality, not just molecules
Optionality, not just molecules, is what LNG buyers are scrambling for as spare capacity shrinks and shipments from Qatar remain constraint. As sources for ‘safe’ supply become finite, each new shipping disruption has a greater impact on prices and procurement decisions, analysts warn.
