Qatar LNG Loadings Hit Highest Level Since March as Strait of Hormuz Reopening Expectations Build

Qatar’s liquefied natural gas loadings climbed to their highest level since March on Aug. 11, a sign the country may be preparing for a possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. At Ras Laffan port, average daily LNG loadings were about 80,000 tons, according to the report. Even so, that level remained roughly 60% below the same period last year, showing that exports have not yet returned to normal levels. The report also said seven of Qatar’s 14 LNG production trains have shown signs of resuming operations, pointing to a gradual recovery in output after disruptions caused by the conflict. Still, a full rebound in exports depends on whether shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz can fully resume. Diplomatic talks tied to that issue are still underway, but there is no assurance that an agreement will be reached.