Reuters reported on June 16, citing sources familiar with the matter, that QatarEnergy, the state-owned energy company, is prepared to swiftly restart operations at the Ras Laffan LNG facility. It is anticipated that facilities unaffected by Iranian airstrikes could reach maximum production levels within a month.
Previously, two of Qatar's 14 LNG production lines and one of two gas-to-liquids (GTL) facilities were damaged in Iranian airstrikes, impacting 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity. Recovery of these facilities is expected to take several years.
In contrast, sources indicated that the remaining facilities, which had been idled due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict, could be restarted relatively quickly. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime passage for oil and LNG exports from the Gulf region.
However, experts caution that the resumption of production may not immediately lead to normalized exports. One source noted, "The issue is how quickly ships can be brought in and how fast loading can occur after the strait reopens. This is more about shipping and logistics than production issues."
While the U.S. and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement on conditions for ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, it may take time for shipping operations to normalize. According to Reuters, only slightly more than 12 LNG carriers have exited the Strait since the conflict began in late February.
The shipping industry is currently focused on ensuring safety and the removal of mines before resuming transit through the strait. As a result, it may take several weeks before normal shipping traffic is restored, Reuters reported.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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