QatarEnergy Invokes Force Majeure in LNG Contracts Following Attacks on Ras Laffan, Mesaieed Facilities

QatarEnergy Declares Force Majeure on LNG Shipments Amid Iranian Drone Attacks

QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company, has declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to affected buyers following the halt of LNG production and associated downstream products due to Iranian drone attacks on key energy facilities in the country.

The declaration, made in accordance with commercial contracts, formally notifies buyers that QatarEnergy may be unable to meet supply commitments due to circumstances outside its control. The company values its relationships with stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information.

The Iranian drone attacks targeted facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed, two of Qatar's most important industrial and export hubs for energy products. The attacks occurred amid escalating military tensions across West Asia, involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

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QatarEnergy has also suspended the production of several downstream products, including urea, polymers, methanol, aluminium, and other petrochemical outputs linked to the country's industrial production chain. This has triggered operational responses among companies linked to QatarEnergy's industrial network.

Several Qatar-listed firms have begun operational shutdowns, including:

• Messaied Petrochemical Holding Company, which has stopped producing certain products
• Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company, which has begun a phased shutdown of the Qatalum facility, expected to be completed by the end of March
• Gulf International Services, which has suspended selected energy-related operations and services
• Industries Qatar, which has halted or scaled back production of some products

Force majeure refers to extraordinary circumstances beyond a party's control that prevent it from fulfilling contractual obligations. By declaring force majeure, QatarEnergy has formally informed buyers that the current security situation could disrupt supply commitments.

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The halt in LNG output and associated products comes as geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to intensify, raising concerns about broader energy supply disruptions across the region. Qatar is one of the world's largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, making any production disruption closely watched by global energy markets.