The Iranian attacks severely damaged Qatar’s infrastructure and strained relations between the two countries. Weakened LNG exports could roil energy markets for years.
Qatar said on Thursday that its relations with Iran had been severely damaged after weeks of attacks in the Persian Gulf region. He also reported extensive damage to infrastructure following the Iranian attacks, which will significantly reduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and require repairs lasting three to five years. The agencies DPA and AFP reported about it, writes TASR.
- Relations between Qatar and Iran have been severely damaged by the attacks.
- Iranian attacks have damaged Qatar’s energy infrastructure.
- LNG exports from Qatar will drop by around 17 percent.
- Damage repairs can take up to five years.
“After this act of hostility, it is necessary to restore lost trust,” said Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdarrahman Al Sani. “The Iranians and us are united by geographical location, proximity and history,” he added, calling on Tehran to stop the attacks immediately and prevent the situation from worsening in the region.
Several countries will feel the consequences
Qatar has long maintained diplomatic relations with Iran and has repeatedly been a mediator in its conflict with the US. Qatar and Iran also jointly use the world’s largest known natural gas deposit in the Persian Gulf and cooperate for economic reasons, DPA reported.
Qatar’s energy ministry said on Thursday that attacks on the country’s energy facilities would reduce LNG export capacity by 17 percent, forgoing an estimated $20 billion in annual revenue.
“It will take three to five years to repair the damage to the facilities. The consequences will be felt by China, South Korea, Italy and Belgium,” the statement said, adding that Qatar will have to refer to the so-called force majeure, i.e. events beyond his control that may lead to non-fulfillment of contracts. Qatar is one of the largest LNG producers in the world, along with the USA, Australia and Russia.
