LNG shipments through Hormuz hit post-war high

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 3, 2026

Three LNG vessels carrying cargo from Qatar’s Ras Laffan terminal have recently passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest volume of LNG shipments via this route since the conflict began earlier this year. This increased transit signals a cautious revival of energy exports through a key maritime chokepoint, though ongoing security risks and geopolitical tensions continue to threaten supply stability.

Three liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessels transporting cargoes from Qatar’s Ras Laffan export terminal have recently been detected transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking the highest volume of LNG shipments through the waterway since the outbreak of conflict earlier this year. This development comes amid ongoing concerns about the security and continuity of energy exports through the strategically crucial maritime passage.

According to ship-tracking data from Kpler and LSEG, the vessels—QatarEnergy-linked Al Kharaifi-yat and Al Gharrafa, as well as the Milaha Qatar managed by Pronav Ship Management—were last observed navigating the strait in late September before reappearing near India’s western coast. Specifically, Al Kharaifi-yat and Al Gharrafa were seen inside the strait in late September and later off the coast of India. Milaha Qatar was recorded within the strait between September 17 and 21 and subsequently spotted west of India on September 30, where it has begun unloading at the port of Hazira.

Requests for comment from QatarEnergy were not immediately answered, and Pronav Ship Management declined to provide a statement on the transit of Milaha Qatar. Some vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz have reportedly engaged in “dark transits,” temporarily disabling their Automatic Identification System (AIS) transponders to obscure tracking and avoid detection, a tactic raising additional security concerns.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital chokepoint for global energy trade, historically handling approximately 20% of the world’s crude oil and LNG exports before hostilities intensified following the outbreak of war on February 28. This escalation had initially curtailed maritime traffic, with uncertainties persisting over whether LNG shipments via the strait could be maintained through the winter months, a period marked by heightened energy demand.

Industry analysts express cautious optimism about the recent uptick in LNG transit activity but emphasize the continued volatility in the region. The durability of these shipments depends on a range of factors, including geopolitical developments and the security measures implemented to safeguard maritime navigation in and around the strait.

As global energy markets remain sensitive to disruptions in supply, monitoring the flow of LNG through the Strait of Hormuz will be critical in assessing the broader implications for energy stability and international trade.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.