QatarEnergy halts LNG production

March 02, 2026 (MLN): QatarEnergy has stopped production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) after drone attacks struck its key operating facilities, further escalating tensions in the Gulf and jolting global energy markets.

In a press release issued from Doha, the state-owned energy giant confirmed that military attacks targeted facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City.

The situation forced the company to cease LNG output and associated products.

Shortly after the announcement, European natural gas prices surged by nearly 50%, reflecting fears of supply disruptions from one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.

Earlier, Qatar’s Ministry of Defence said the country was attacked by two drones launched from Iran.

According to an official statement, one drone struck a water tank belonging to a power plant in Mesaieed.

At the same time, the other targeted an energy facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City operated by QatarEnergy. Authorities reported no human casualties, as reported by Aljazeera. 

“All damages and losses resulting from the attack will be assessed by the relevant authorities, and an official statement will be issued later,” the ministry said.

The developments come amid a broader escalation in the region. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence, in statements carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, said two drones had attempted to attack the Ras Tanura refinery on Monday morning. The drones were intercepted, though a “small” fire broke out at the facility.

Footage verified by Al Jazeera showed plumes of smoke rising from the refinery on Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coast.

The Saudi ministry said the refinery sustained limited damage and confirmed there were no casualties.

The coordinated attacks on critical energy infrastructure across the Gulf have heightened concerns about supply stability, particularly as Qatar remains a cornerstone supplier to Europe and Asia. 

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