The wait for IOCs aiming to secure equity stakes in Qatar’s LNG expansion trains goes on. Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida al-Kaabi had said in September that partners for the four 8mn t/y liquefaction trains in the first phase (North Field East: NFE) would be announced this quarter (MEES, 24 September 2021).

But he this week he told Reuters that the announcement will be by June. Mr Kaabi also reiterated that one of the most important factors in partner selection is the ability to place volumes in to the market, adding that “for some selected buyers, we are giving them the opportunity to also be partners in the venture.” (CONTINUED - 114 WORDS)