Iran Conflict — 2026-03-20

Iran Strikes Qatar LNG Facility, Cutting 17% of Global Output for Up to Five Years

QatarEnergy confirmed 'sizeable fires and extensive further damage' at Ras Laffan LNG facilities following Iranian drone strikes on Nowruz. The damage assessment indicates approximately 17% of Qatar's LNG output, a critical share of global supply, could be offline for up to five years. Force majeure declarations are expected on contracts supplying Belgium, Italy, South Korea, and China, cascading energy disruption well beyond the Gulf.

Analysis
The 0400 INTSUM first reported the Ras Laffan strikes; this update provides the damage assessment: 17% capacity loss for up to 5 years. The force majeure implications for Belgium, Italy, South Korea, and China were not in prior reporting.