As per reports, QatarEnergy as of Tuesday (28 July) has extended its force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries to customers across Europe and Asia until the end of September 2026, prolonging supply disruptions at a time when both regions are seeking to replenish gas inventories ahead of the winter heating season.

• The extension supersedes the previous expectation that deliveries would resume by mid-September.
• Reports indicate that the extension affects multiple long-term LNG customers. Italy’s Edison SpA stated that three additional LNG cargoes scheduled for delivery are expected to be impacted. Additionally, QatarEnergy has also notified buyers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh that the force majeure provisions under their contracts are scheduled to remain in effect until the end of September.
• The extension follows Qatar’s earlier decision in July 2026 to suspend efforts to rapidly restart production at the Ras Laffan Industrial City, which hosts the world’s largest LNG production complex. However, the decision came after one of Qatar’s LNG tankers was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, reinforcing concerns over the security of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
• Additionally, QatarEnergy has also stated to be offering customers the option to sublease LNG carriers for immediate delivery through the end of October, indicating that the company is not planning an immediate return of its tanker fleet to regular operations through the Persian Gulf.