JUST IN: War in the Middle East: the very hefty bill for strikes against the gas fields in Qatar
According to recent reports, the following story has emerged from the international scene.
Middle East Conflict Escalates as Gas Installations Become the Latest Targets
Attacks on Gas Facilities: A New Dimension to the War
The war in the Middle East has shifted dramatically in recent days, with attacks on critical gas infrastructure now taking center stage. What began on Wednesday, March 18, with an Iranian strike on Iranian facilities, escalated further on Thursday, when Iranian forces targeted gas installations in Qatar.
“These attacks sparked large fires, causing serious damage to liquefied natural gas (LNG) installations,” confirmed QatarEnergy in a statement posted on social media.
This new phase of the conflict comes at a time when oil prices are already rising sharply, partly due to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas pass.
A ‘Gas War’ in the Making: Iranian Retaliation and Regional Concerns
The Israeli strike on Iranian energy installations in the South Pars gas field—a joint venture between Iran and Qatar—triggered widespread condemnation, particularly from the Gulf monarchies. These countries feared that such attacks would lead to a spiral of retaliations targeting energy infrastructure throughout the region.
Adi Imsirovic, an energy markets expert at the University of Oxford, stated, “This strike broke a tacit agreement that the most critical energy infrastructure should not be targeted for attack, otherwise there would be a chain reaction.”
According to Khaled Fouad, head of the oil and gas department at Ocean B Holding, the American-Israeli coalition had hoped that targeting Iran’s vital energy installations would force Tehran to end its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. However, this strategy appears to have backfired, leading to what now seems to be an escalating conflict where energy infrastructure—particularly gas facilities—could be the next battleground.
“What is looming is an escalation where all energy infrastructures in the Gulf region, even the most critical, can be targeted, which will have much more serious economic repercussions than just the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,” added Fouad.
Qatar’s Ras Laffan Complex: A Vital Node in Global Gas Supply
One of the most significant casualties of this new phase of the conflict is Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial Complex—a major hub responsible for producing 20% of the world’s LNG.
Michael Bradshaw, an energy market expert at the University of Warwick, noted, “The Iranian attacks resulted in the closure of the site, which means that for an unknown period of time, the world will be deprived of this Qatari gas.”
While the full extent of the damage to Ras Laffan remains unclear, experts warn that it could take months to restore operations at the site. Michael Bradshaw emphasized the complexity of repairs: “This is very complicated work and takes time.”
The situation is further compounded by the volatile nature of gas. Unlike oil, which can be stored in reserves, gas is much harder to stockpile, making supply shocks particularly severe and immediate. As Adi Imsirovic explains: “This is why the situation with gas is worse, because there are no stocks from which we can draw as with oil. The shock is immediate.”
Asia and Europe on the Frontline of the Gas Crisis
With 80% to 90% of LNG from the region typically destined for Asian markets, China is expected to be the hardest hit, followed by India and Pakistan.
Thijs Van de Graaf, a specialist in energy security, pointed out, “China will be the most affected, then India and Pakistan.”
However, Europe is not immune. Khaled Fouad predicts “intense competition between Asian and European countries” for any available LNG, leading to higher prices and increased energy insecurity.
In Europe, gas reserves were already exceptionally low in February, and with summer approaching, the pressure is mounting. Thijs Van de Graaf adds, “The European objective of filling reserves to 90% before winter is going to be difficult to maintain, and above all costly.”
Uncertainty and Escalating Tensions: Trump’s Role in the Crisis
The US has made it clear that it is willing to escalate the situation further. President Donald Trump recently declared that he is prepared to “blow up all of the Iranian fields in South Pars” if Iran strikes Qatar again. This combative rhetoric only exacerbates the already tense situation.
Adi Imsirovic warns, “It is so incendiary that it aggravates the situation. The gas traders who hear him will say to themselves that he is ready to do it, which will increase their level of concern.”
As the conflict unfolds, there is growing concern that there is no clear diplomatic leader to de-escalate tensions. Both Iran and the United States appear determined to escalate the conflict, creating a potentially catastrophic situation for global energy markets.
The Path Forward: An Uncertain Road for Global Energy Markets
With major energy hubs like Ras Laffan now at risk, global gas markets face a period of severe uncertainty. The possibility of extended disruptions to LNG supply, coupled with rising prices, poses a significant challenge to energy-dependent nations, particularly in Asia and Europe.
As this new “gas war” unfolds in the Middle East, the international community must prepare for a protracted conflict that could have lasting effects on global energy security—and on the global economy at large. The immediate aftermath could be felt as soon as Qatari gas remains offline for an extended period, and with no reserves to fall back on, the pressure on the world’s gas markets is expected to grow.
The Bigger Picture:
Our editorial team will continue to monitor this situation as new details emerge.
The implications of this story extend beyond borders and could affect millions of people globally.
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Source: This article was originally published in another language by France 24 – Infos, news & actualités – L’information internationale en direct and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.