Qatar has raised the stakes for global energy markets by warning that a prolonged Iran conflict could force all Gulf energy exporters to halt shipments within days.
In a Financial Times interview, Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said exporters across the Gulf that have not yet declared force majeure would likely do so soon if current conditions continue.
Qatar has already declared force majeure following a strike on its Ras Laffan LNG plant, turning what might otherwise have been treated as a market warning into an active supply interruption.
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Al-Kaabi’s warning ties to the threat of a possible $150 per barrel oil marker. Previously, JPMorgan Chase already said Brent crude could reach $120 per barrel if hostilities turn a shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with the bank estimating Gulf producers can maintain normal output for only about 25 days under a complete blockade.
Once a force majeure is declared, exporters can suspend contractual performance because circumstances are judged beyond their control. In practice, that can freeze scheduled shipments, delay cargo nominations, disrupt customer planning, and tighten spot markets even before full volumes disappear.
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