Qatar appears to be preparing for a possible resumption of LNG exports through the Strait of Hormuz, with several empty LNG carriers linked to the country moving back toward the Persian Gulf. Ship-tracking data showed six empty Qatar-linked LNG carriers either in the Gulf of Oman or heading toward the waterway.
The vessel movements are being closely watched by energy traders because Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers. A broader return of Qatari cargoes could provide some relief to international gas markets, which have faced tighter supplies and elevated prices following disruptions to Gulf energy shipments.
The developments come amid continuing security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global energy trade. LNG shipments from Qatar have been heavily disrupted, forcing buyers in Asia and Europe to seek alternative supplies while prices remain elevated.
There are already signs that some Qatari LNG is moving again. On September 8, a Qatari LNG cargo aboard the Al Marrouna was reported to have passed through Hormuz and was heading toward Pakistan’s Port Qasim. The shipment was the first reported Qatari LNG cargo to transit the strait since July.
Qatar has also used alternative logistics arrangements during the disruption. In recent weeks, Qatari and UAE LNG cargoes have been transferred between vessels outside the Strait of Hormuz, including shipments ultimately destined for India and Japan. Such ship-to-ship transfers are unusual for LNG and highlight the efforts being made to keep supplies moving despite the security risks.
However, a full return to normal export volumes remains uncertain. LNG flows through the Gulf are still well below pre-disruption levels, when several cargoes departed the region each day. Qatar’s ability to restore larger volumes will depend heavily on the security situation around Hormuz and the availability of safe shipping routes.
For Asian buyers, particularly countries that rely heavily on Qatari LNG, any sustained recovery in shipments could help ease supply shortages, reduce competition for alternative cargoes and moderate elevated spot prices. India is among the markets closely watching developments, with Gulf suppliers already increasing their share of the country’s LNG imports.