Qatar resumes large-scale LNG transportation through the Strait of Hormuz

(1) In the past week, at least four liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, with at least two more heading in the opposite direction towards the Persian Gulf. Data reviewed by institutions showed that one batch of cargo arrived on the west coast of India on Thursday. (2) According to institutional reports, five of these ships were not detected when passing through Hormuz, but it was emphasized that signal jamming and suppression are common in the region, making it difficult to determine the precise locations of the vessels. The institution contacted Qatar Energy for comment but received no response. (3) These movements represent the largest increase in activity for Qatar's LNG carriers since early July, when the country almost halted exports via the strait after one of its vessels was attacked. (4) However, traffic through Hormuz remains well below the pre-war level of about three LNG shipments per day, but any increase may help ease the global natural gas supply crisis, as European and Asian prices have risen to their highest since 2022 in recent weeks due to increased demand ahead of winter. (5) During the months of conflict, Qatar has used available idle ships within the Persian Gulf to transport LNG and has exported part of its fuel to Kuwait. These measures aim to manage Qatar Energy’s inventory and keep operational equipment ready to ramp up production as soon as possible. (6) From a market perspective, the recovery of Qatari exports signals an improvement in Middle Eastern supply expectations, but transit volume remains low and detection is still disrupted. Subsequent attention is needed regarding the strait’s security situation and the pace of inventory replenishment in Europe and Asia ahead of winter.