Doha: Qatar has declared force majeure to liquefied natural gas (LNG) buyers, following Iranian attacks on strategic locations within the country. State-owned QatarEnergy announced the decision on Wednesday, just two days after halting production at the nation's main LNG site.
According to Ghana News Agency, the force majeure declaration comes in the wake of attacks on Monday by Iranian drones targeting two crucial sites. One of the sites, Ras Laffan Industrial City, is situated approximately 80 kilometers north of Doha. The other attack involved a water tank at a power plant located in Mesaieed Industrial City. The legal clause of force majeure allows Qatar to exempt itself from fulfilling contractual obligations due to events beyond its control.
Qatar, home to the world's third-largest natural gas reserves, is the leading exporter of LNG. The recent developments occur amid a surge in oil and gas prices, attributed to Tehran's restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route.
Iran's actions are reportedly in retaliation for Israeli-US strikes that resulted in the death of its supreme leader and significant damage. Qatar's perceived friendliness with the United States has positioned it as a target in the regional conflict.