Al-Kaabi: Hormuz ‘cannot be obsolete’
The Strait of Hormuz “cannot be obsolete,” despite the Trump administration’s assertions, Qatar’s energy minister said.
Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi insists that the Strait of Hormuz remains essential despite the Trump administration's claims to the contrary. While former US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the narrow waterway could become "worthless," Al-Kaabi emphasized its significance, noting that it transports more than oil. The route also facilitates the shipping of other goods, which are not as efficiently moved via land or air.
Doha has explored exporting natural gas through pipelines, but ultimately opted against it, citing commercial and technical reasons. The country is instead focusing on expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity, aiming to increase it from 77 million tons annually to 142 million by 2030. However, duplicating this infrastructure is not a viable option.
Al-Kaabi warned that the expansion could be delayed if equipment cannot reach Qatar through the Strait of Hormuz. The first new LNG plant is set to begin operations next year, and facilities damaged in Iranian strikes are expected to require around three years for repair, according to Al-Kaabi.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
