QatarEnergy stops LNG production after attacks on its facilities; gas prices soar
Shortly after the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe soared by almost 50%.
The state-owned QatarEnergy, formerly known as Qatar Petroleum, announced today (2 March) that it is suspending the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products after suffering "military attacks" on its facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in Qatar.
"Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated products," the company said in a statement.
The company also stated that it values its relationships with all of its stakeholders and will continue to communicate the latest available information, reports Khaleej Times.
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No further details were immediately provided regarding the extent of damage or the timeline for resuming operations.
Shortly after the announcement, natural gas prices in Europe soared by almost 50%, reports Al Jazeera.
Wave of attacks in the region entered a third day, forcing the suspension of most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan and halting output at several major Israeli gas fields, significantly curbing exports to Egypt.
The Qatari Ministry of Defence confirmed that two drones launched from Iran struck targets in the country. One hit a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed, while the other struck an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, operated by Qatar Energy.
However, officials reported no casualties so far.
Earlier, Qatar intercepted Iranian attacks aimed at civilian infrastructure, including the international airport, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson told CNN, emphasising that such aggression could not go unanswered.
Majed Al Ansari added that Qatar is currently not engaging with Iran.
Meanwhile, US allies in the Gulf have faced assaults from Iranian missiles and drones. Black smoke billowed near the US embassy in Kuwait, where a heavy security presence was joined by ambulances and fire trucks.
