Hardeep Puri To Visit Qatar As LNG Supply Disruption Raises Energy Concerns

India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is set to visit Qatar on April 9 and 10 to address concerns over liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies following disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The visit comes amid rising global energy uncertainty after recent strikes damaged key gas infrastructure in the Gulf nation.

According to officials, Iranian attacks since late February have hit critical facilities, impacting nearly 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity. State-owned QatarEnergy confirmed that two LNG production units and a gas-to-liquids facility were affected, taking an estimated 12.8 million tonnes per year of output offline. The company has declared force majeure on several long-term supply contracts, potentially disrupting shipments to major importers across Europe and Asia.

Although India has not been explicitly named among affected countries, it remains one of Qatar’s largest LNG buyers, making the situation a matter of strategic concern. The supply crunch has already prompted Indian authorities to ration gas usage, prioritizing household consumption while diverting industrial demand to alternative sources. New Delhi has reportedly increased imports from suppliers in the United States, Australia, and Russia to offset potential shortages.

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The disruption is expected to have significant economic consequences, with estimates suggesting Qatar could lose up to $20 billion annually in revenue. It has also heightened global concerns over energy security, particularly as the crisis coincides with tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to stabilize the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held talks with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemning the attacks on energy infrastructure and emphasizing the importance of secure maritime routes. Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced a ceasefire arrangement reportedly brokered with support from Pakistan, contingent on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar has begun mobilizing resources to restore production at the Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG export hub. However, officials have indicated that full repairs could take between three to five years. As India seeks to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030, Puri’s visit is expected to play a crucial role in securing stable long-term supplies amid an increasingly volatile global energy landscape.

Also Read: Qatar Moves LNG Tankers Through Hormuz for First Time Since War