Qatar completes pre-conflict LNG deliveries as LNG flows through Hormuz remain stalled

Qatar has completed deliveries of all LNG cargoes that were in transit when the Middle East conflict began on Feb. 28, marking the end of pre-conflict shipping flows.

Qatar has completed deliveries of all LNG cargoes that were in transit when the Middle East conflict began on Feb. 28, marking the end of pre-conflict shipping flows.

Kpler data show the LNG tanker  Al Ghuwairiya delivered the final cargo — 115,110 t — to the 15.4 mtpa  South Hook LNG terminal in the UK on Apr. 10, after departing Qatar’s 77 mtpa Ras Laffan export complex on Feb. 16. The shipment marks the completion of all cargoes loaded prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

The 43 pre-conflict cargoes, loaded between Feb. 3 and Feb. 26, total about 2.68 mt of LNG and represent roughly 43% of the 6.21 mt Qatar loaded in February. Asia accounted for the majority of deliveries—or 31 cargoes— reflecting Qatar’s long-term contract commitments to the region, which took nearly 90% of its exports in 2025. Europe took the remaining 12 cargoes.

The completion of these deliveries effectively removes the last active pre-conflict LNG flow through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving Asian buyers increasingly exposed to replacement procurement needs amid constrained supply availability and elevated spot prices. Importers including Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore are expected to lean more heavily on spot cargoes and portfolio optimisation strategies to manage supply security risks.

LNG transit through the Strait of Hormuz has remained severely constrained since the conflict began on Feb. 28, with only one LNG carrier crossing on Apr. 2. The strait is a key route for LNG exports from Qatar and Abu Dhabi, which together accounted for about one fifth of global LNG supply in 2025.

‍

‍