A powerful explosion hit Qatar’s main natural gas export terminal on Sunday night when workers attempted to restore operations after an Iranian missile attack during the conflict, according to Arab News.
The blast triggered a major fire that injured at least 54 people, while 18 others remained missing for several hours later.
The explosion at the Ras Laffan industrial complex threatens to further worsen disruptions in global energy markets as Qatar is one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas.
After the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the war in Iran, Qatari authorities suspended production amid the global energy disruption.
As Iran signed an agreement with Washington on Wednesday to reopen the vital waterway and determine the framework of a permanent settlement, Qatar moved to resume operations at its key export facilities.
However, those efforts were disrupted on Sunday night when an explosion and subsequent fire erupted at the Barzan gas supply facility, according to state-owned QatarEnergy.
Notably, Qatari authorities did not clarify the scale of the damage remained unclear in the site. While officials initially reported only a limited number of injuries, Qatar’s Interior Ministry later reported significantly higher casualty figures.
The Barzan facility was producing approximately 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, which Qatar used primarily to generate electricity and operate the country’s vital desalination facilities.
Qatar holds an overwhelming majority stake in the Barzan facility, while a minority share is owned by ExxonMobil.
Related Topics:
Qatari PM Visits Iran Amid Mounting Tensions in Region
Saudi Arabia Voices Regret Over Damage to Qatar’s Embassy in Kyiv
Iran Strikes Leave 16 Qatari Citizens Injured
