Qatar is weathering its largest ever energy crisis, with Iran effectively blocking its LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The unprecedented disruption cost the government $12bn in lost revenue in the first half of the year alone and has raised questions about how Qatar will adapt its long-term strategy as a leading global LNG supplier.
There has been some recent speculation that Qatar might invest in bypass pipelines. Oman’s energy minister Salim al-Aufi last week pitched Oman as a viable transit route (MEES, 18 September). But QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi was quick to rule out the idea, stating this week that “we have decided not to do pipelines. I think the decision in Qatar was based on commercial and technical [criteria], and we are only going to be using the strait.” (CONTINUED - 853 WORDS)
