Qatar Holds Emergency Talks with Energy Firms After Regional Strikes

DOHA/LONDON: Following recent Israeli strikes near Iran’s substantial gas field, which it shares with Qatar, Qatar convened urgent discussions with major energy corporations this week, according to a source within the industry and a regional diplomat.

Saad Al Kaabi, who is the CEO of QatarEnergy, a state-owned company, and also serves as the energy minister for the Gulf Arab nation, reportedly urged these companies to caution the U.S., Britain, and various European governments regarding the dangers the ongoing conflict presents to Qatar’s gas exports and the increasing risk it poses to the global gas supply, sources indicated.

An interruption to Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations could potentially disrupt about 20% of the world’s supply, which Doha exports from the planet’s most expansive gas deposit.

According to the diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the matter, “QatarEnergy is ensuring that international governments are fully apprised of the consequences that the current situation and any further escalation could have on Qatar’s gas production.”

QatarEnergy has not yet issued a statement in response to requests for comments.

The diplomat also mentioned that Kaabi engaged in discussions this week in Doha with ambassadors from nations whose companies are involved in QatarEnergy’s North Field expansion venture.

Several prominent firms such as US-based ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, Britain’s Shell, Italy’s Eni, and France’s TotalEnergies, possess holdings in the expansion project, which is projected to elevate Qatar’s exports by roughly 82% in the years ahead. Currently, Qatar produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas annually.

To date, there have been no disturbances to QatarEnergy’s export activities, with all cargo deliveries proceeding as planned.

Last Friday, Israel initiated attacks on Iran, alleging that its long-standing adversary was nearing the development of nuclear arms. Iran, while maintaining its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes, responded with missile and drone assaults directed at Israel.