QatarEnergy buys US LNG cargoes amid Hormuz crisis

QatarEnergy has purchased 33 liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from the United States this year to reduce supply

QatarEnergy has purchased 33 liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from the United States this year to reduce supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to industry sources.

The LNG shipments have been arranged for key Asian markets, including South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India and Japan, as Qatar works to maintain supplies for its long-term customers.

The move comes after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on some of its LNG contracts following the shutdown of shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a critical global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies passes.

The company’s decision to purchase additional LNG cargoes from the US represents a major increase compared with previous years. In 2025, QatarEnergy had purchased only four spot LNG cargoes, while the number has now risen sharply to 33 in 2026.

The additional purchases are aimed at protecting Qatar’s reputation as one of the world’s most reliable energy suppliers and ensuring that customers continue receiving gas despite regional instability.

Industry sources said the US LNG purchases represent a goodwill effort by QatarEnergy to support important Asian buyers affected by the disruption.

The 33 cargoes are estimated to equal around one-third of QatarEnergy’s monthly LNG exports before the conflict and are valued at nearly $1 billion.

Qatar is among the world’s largest LNG exporters, with Asia accounting for around 80% of its LNG shipments. Countries such as Japan, South Korea and India rely heavily on Qatari gas supplies for energy security.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has created uncertainty in global energy markets, forcing major producers and consumers to seek alternative supply arrangements.

QatarEnergy has not officially commented on the reported LNG purchases, but the move highlights efforts by energy companies to adjust supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.