QatarEnergy rules out pipeline alternative for LNG exports; reports infrastructure damage

Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, stated that transporting liquefied natural gas by pipeline makes no economic sense because it would render Qatar’s major LNG facilities redundant. He also provided an update on damage to gas infrastructure at Ras Laffan, noting that attacks affected two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquids plant. Repairs on the GTL plant are expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2027, but repairs on the two LNG trains will take three years.

The decision against a pipeline alternative confirms QatarEnergy’s reliance on its existing LNG export infrastructure. The reported damage to core facilities at Ras Laffan suggests a significant, multi-year disruption to Qatar’s gas supply capacity. Al-Kaabi also noted that Qatar is expected to become the world’s largest LNG trader.

QatarEnergy is a state-owned enterprise whose existence, operations, and strategic direction are governed by the sovereign state of Qatar.