Qatar halts LNG production after drone attacks, disrupting global gas supply

QatarEnergy, the state energy company, stopped producing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at its major export facilities after drone attacks targeted energy sites. The company declared force majeure on its supply contracts, which legally suspends its delivery obligations due to circumstances beyond its control.

This halt is the longest since at least 2008 and has caused immediate market disruption. European and Asian gas prices surged, with some reports noting a 45% jump in Europe, as buyers competed for remaining supplies. The incident also caused ripple effects, with prices for alternative fuels like coal and helium rising.