New Delhi, April 09: Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is scheduled to visit Qatar from April 9–10 to hold discussions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, as global energy markets face disruptions due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The visit comes at a time when supply chains are under pressure following a force majeure declaration by QatarEnergy on long-term LNG contracts, impacting several global buyers. While India was not directly named among affected countries, it remains a key importer of Qatari LNG.
The disruption has been exacerbated by Iranian strikes on critical energy infrastructure in Qatar, which have impacted nearly 17% of the country’s LNG export capacity. Damage to multiple LNG production units and a gas-to-liquids (GTL) facility has led to an estimated outage of 12.8 million tonnes per annum, with restoration timelines extending up to five years.
The developments have raised concerns over global energy security, with Qatar facing potential annual revenue losses of around $20 billion. The situation has also heightened risks for major LNG-importing regions, including Europe and Asia.
India has been proactively ensuring adequate domestic gas availability, particularly for households, while diversifying sourcing strategies. Indian companies have increasingly turned to alternative suppliers in the US, Australia, and Russia to meet industrial demand.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, condemning the attacks on energy infrastructure and emphasizing the need for secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
India imported approximately 25.5 million tonnes of LNG in 2025 and continues to target an increase in the share of natural gas to 15% in its primary energy mix by 2030, reinforcing the strategic importance of stable LNG supplies.
