QatarEnergy extends LNG force majeure to end of September, with 24 cargoes now affected

QatarEnergy has told Edison, one of its largest European customers, that it cannot deliver three further liquefied natural gas cargoes, extending its force majeure until the end of September. The Italian utility disclosed this on Tuesday, 28 July 2026 (6 Mordad 1405). Including the new cargoes, a total of 24 LNG cargoes are now subject to force majeure over this period.

Force majeure is a contractual clause that lets a seller step back from a delivery obligation without penalty in circumstances beyond its control. Qatar is one of the world's largest LNG exporters, so disruption to its cargoes feeds directly into European and Asian gas prices. Europe's benchmark gas contract at the Dutch TTF hub rose about 4.6% on Wednesday, 29 July 2026, returning above €60 per megawatt hour.

The extension follows the halt in LNG tanker departures through the Strait of Hormuz since 16 July 2026. QatarEnergy first declared force majeure in March 2026 after damage to two LNG production trains at Ras Laffan.