Stories
Hormuz Uncertainty Threatens QatarEnergy Expansion, LNG Output "Minute"
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CNBC TV18•21-09-2026, 11:21
Hormuz Uncertainty Threatens QatarEnergy Expansion, LNG Output "Minute"
- •QatarEnergy's expansion projects, including North Field East and South, face potential delays due to disruptions in critical equipment movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
- •CEO Saad al-Kaabi stated that LNG output is at a "very minute" level, impacting project timelines for 2027 and 2028.
- •Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below pre-conflict levels, with transits falling to seven on September 10 from a 10-day average of 15.
- •QatarEnergy-linked vessels have been observed in the waterway, suggesting a possible positioning for resumed exports, despite a near halt in LNG shipments since late July.
- •The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint, previously handled about 125 large commercial vessels daily and accounted for 20% of global crude oil and LNG supply.
Key Questions Answered
QatarEnergy's expansion projects are facing potential delays because the crisis around the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted the movement of critical equipment into Qatar.
A few LNG trains under the North Field East expansion were due to start up in 2027, while the North Field South expansion was scheduled to begin production in 2028.
QatarEnergy has kept LNG output at a very minute level by continuing to load fuel onto available empty tankers inside the Gulf and exporting it to Kuwait, allowing it to keep equipment running.
