Bloomberg: Qatar May Delay LNG Expansion to 2027 Following Iran Attacks

Qatar is reportedly considering delaying the expansion of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production capacity until 2027, following recent Iranian attacks that have heightened regional tensions and raised concerns about energy security.

According to Bloomberg News, the potential delay comes amid disruptions affecting energy infrastructure and increasing uncertainty across global energy markets.

At the same time, analysts at Morgan Stanley warned that any significant disruption to Qatar’s LNG production could have serious consequences for the global gas supply. Qatar is one of the largest exporters of liquefied natural gas in the world, supplying key markets in Europe and Asia.

In a note to clients dated March 8, Morgan Stanley analysts, including Devin McDermott, said that a halt in Qatari production could quickly eliminate the expected surplus in global LNG supply for the current year.

The analysts cautioned that if disruptions to Qatar’s LNG exports continue for more than one month, the global gas market could rapidly shift from surplus to supply deficit.

Qatar’s LNG sector plays a central role in stabilizing global gas markets, particularly following the supply shocks experienced in recent years. Any delays in expansion projects or interruptions in exports could therefore intensify competition for LNG cargoes and potentially drive up global energy prices.