Qatar extends LNG force majeure as Hormuz bottleneck persists

QatarEnergy has reportedly extended its force-majeure notices on LNG deliveries to European and Asian customers by another month. In practical terms, the state energy company is invoking a contract provision that can excuse missed cargoes when events outside its control prevent delivery, rather than promising shipments it cannot reliably make. The move reflects continued uncertainty over normal transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime outlet for Qatar’s LNG exports: Pakistani buyers were told cancellations would continue into October, while Italy’s Edison said some canceled cargoes now reach early November. With a major supplier still unable to move normal volumes, buyers must seek alternatives, helping push Asian spot LNG above $23 per million British thermal units.