DUBAI: An explosion tore through Qatar's natural gas export terminal in Ras Laffan on June 21, injuring at least 54 and leaving 18 missing. The incident occurred during efforts to resume operations after previous damage from Iranian attacks.
As one of the world's leading natural gas producers, Qatar's production has been significantly affected by conflicts in the region. The blast at the Barzan gas supply facility, operated by QatarEnergy and partially owned by ExxonMobil, raises concerns about the stability of global energy markets. The facility had a capacity of nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet per day, primarily for local electricity and water desalination.
The scale of the damage is still being assessed, with initial reports underestimating the injuries. Following Iran's missile strike in March, which also targeted Ras Laffan, Qatar had already paused operations due to security threats. This latest explosion further complicates the situation for Qatar amid ongoing geopolitical negotiations.