LNG cannot be transported via pipelines: Kaabi

Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, HE Eng Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, acknowledged the support of neighboring countries who allowed the use of their territories for a pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. However, he emphasized that not all commodities, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), can be transported through pipelines. LNG, being the primary export commodity, must be transported as gas and subsequently liquefied at receiving terminals.

Al Kaabi explained that building redundant facilities for LNG transportation, which are already being constructed as part of the North Field expansion project, does not make economic sense. Thus, his decision was based on commercial and technical criteria to avoid such redundancies. During a discussion on "The Global Energy Realignment" at the Qatar Economic Forum 2026, held in New York, Al Kaabi detailed the impact of attacks on Qatar's gas production facilities, which resulted in damage to two LNG trains and a gas-to-liquid (GTL) plant.

He stated that repairs on the GTL train are expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027, while it will take three years to restore the two LNG trains to full operation.

Regarding the resumption of operations, Al Kaabi affirmed that Qatar is prepared to return to normal production within a few weeks once the Strait of Hormuz reopens. He also rejected the notion that the Strait of Hormuz is obsolete, stating that it remains a vital waterway for global trade. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining normal movement across the Strait, emphasizing that the Gulf countries are neighbors who will remain so for generations.

When asked about reports of Qatar purchasing LNG volumes from the market, Al Kaabi announced that his country is building one of the largest LNG trading organizations, aiming to become the world's largest LNG trader. He emphasized that his nation is actively investing in various projects globally, including the construction of the largest LNG trading firm and the largest ethane cracker in the world at the Golden Triangle Polymers project.

Al Kaabi highlighted that these initiatives are part of Qatar's strategic efforts to enhance its position in the global energy sector.