Qatar Expects LNG Output To Return To Normal Within Weeks

CAIRO, June 24 (dpa) -- Qatar expects to return to normal liquefied natural gas (LNG) production "within a few weeks," Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Financial Times in an interview published on Wednesday.

He said an exception was the Ras Laffan gas facility, which was damaged by Iranian attacks during the war and most recently by an explosion.

“Our teams have been mobilized already for a few weeks," Sheikh Mohammed said. 

The state energy group QatarEnergy was preparing to resume normal operations as soon as the situation in the Strait of Hormuz returned to normal as well, he said.

However, the state of force majeure for the suspended LNG deliveries is to be lifted only "once the company sees they have addressed all the issues, and it’s safe to operate."

Force majeure refers to an external, unforeseeable event that is beyond the control of the contracting parties. This can include war, natural disasters or pandemics, which can mean a service can be provided only inadequately or not at all. 

The declaration legally releases a contracting party from its delivery obligations.

Qatar is one of the largest producers of LNG and normally meets around a fifth of global demand. As a result of the war with Iran, the production and export of LNG from the Gulf country via the Strait of Hormuz were stopped.

The war began nearly four months ago with attacks by the US and Israel in Iran. Negotiations are under way on a final agreement to end the war following a framework deal, which foresees shipping through the Strait of Hormuz returning to normal.

--NNN-dpa