Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO, HE Eng Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, outlined key challenges facing the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and highlighted ongoing regional cooperation efforts during the Qatar Economic Forum 2026. The forum took place in New York City, marking its first time being held alongside the 81st United Nations General Assembly high-level meetings.
Al Kaabi expressed gratitude to neighboring countries that have allowed Qatar to use their territories for pipeline routes designed to bypass the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. However, he emphasized that LNG, Qatar’s primary export product, cannot be transported directly through pipelines. Instead, natural gas must be transported via pipeline form and subsequently liquefied at receiving terminals. This process requires the construction of duplicate facilities outside Qatar, which Al Kaabi described as economically unviable.
“We have decided not to use pipelines as an alternative based on commercial and technical criteria,” Al Kaabi said, noting the limitations and cost implications involved.
Addressing recent disruptions to Qatar’s gas production infrastructure, the minister reported damage resulting from attacks on the Ras Laffan Industrial City complex. Two LNG trains and one gas-to-liquids (GTL) plant were affected. Repairs on the GTL plant are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, while restoration of the two LNG trains will take approximately three years. Al Kaabi added that Qatar is prepared to resume normal production within weeks if the Strait of Hormuz reopens.
On the subject of force majeure declarations, Al Kaabi reaffirmed QatarEnergy’s reputation as a dependable supplier that has consistently met shipment obligations. He stressed that the current circumstances fall outside the company’s control.
The minister also countered claims that the Strait of Hormuz is obsolete, noting the waterway’s vital role in facilitating trade across a broad range of products for all countries bordering it. Highlighting the importance of regional stability, he underscored the need for sustained good relations among Gulf neighbors.
Regarding Qatar’s LNG market activities, Al Kaabi confirmed plans to expand the company’s trading operations significantly. Building on an announcement made in 2024, he indicated that QatarEnergy aims to become the world’s largest LNG trader in the near future through strategic market purchases.
Al Kaabi also provided updates on QatarEnergy’s projects in the United States. Shipments from the first train at the Golden Pass LNG facility have already commenced, with plans for full operation of the second and third trains slated for next year. Additionally, commissioning is underway at the Golden Triangle Polymers project, which will feature the world’s largest ethane cracker and is expected to start operations in the coming weeks.