QatarEnergy to Activate First LNG Liquefaction Train in November
QatarEnergy announced that the first liquefaction unit of its North Field East expansion will start up in November, with LNG production expected in early 2027.
QatarEnergy said the first liquefaction train of its North Field East expansion will be ready for operation in November, dispelling earlier worries about equipment delays caused by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The train is slated to start producing super-cooled LNG in the first quarter of 2027, after which the company expects to end its force-majeure on several Asian cargoes. The expansion adds eight million tonnes per year per train, with three more trains planned for 2027 and two additional units at North Field South targeted for 2028.
To finance the project, QatarEnergy obtained a $3 billion syndicated loan from Bank of China, ICBC, Agricultural Bank of China and China Construction Bank Asia. CEO Saad al-Kaabi, who also serves as Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, emphasized that the new capacity will help restore the country’s reputation as a reliable LNG supplier after recent disruptions.
Why it matters
The new LNG train will boost Qatar's export capacity and help restore supply reliability after recent regional disruptions.
How this story developed
- Sep 15 UK fuel prices hit four-year highs as oil market turmoil continues
- Sep 22 Trump told reporters he wants to stop sending diesel abroad, citing the surge in diesel costs driven by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration is reviewing whether a full or partial ban is feasible. Republican Senate hopefuls, including Ashley Hinson, have urged the government to adopt the ban to ease price pressures on Americans.
- Sep 23 Rural GOP lawmakers have publicly demanded action on diesel exports ahead of the November election.
- Sep 24 President Trump announced support for a diesel export ban.
- Sep 24 Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other Gulf producers have rerouted oil through spare pipeline capacity and a U.S.-protected corridor, keeping global supply steady despite higher prices.
- Sep 26 The European Union has asked the administration to keep U.S. diesel exports flowing amid the price surge.
- Sep 26 President Donald Trump announced new fuel-economy rules that scrap the electric-vehicle mandate introduced under Joe Biden.
- Sep 28 The 2031 fuel‑economy target was lowered to roughly 34.9 mpg.
- Sep 29 Trump said he will look into limiting diesel exports.
- Sep 30 Diesel prices have risen to a record level, with a full tank now costing about £110.
- Oct 5 G7 nations agreed to tap emergency reserves after the United States signaled it would not impose a diesel export ban.
- Oct 5 A U.S. naval blockade has caused a backlog of hundreds of trucks at the Gürbulak crossing, with waits up to five days.
- Oct 8 A tanker north of Qatar was hit by multiple projectiles, causing casualties.
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