Major energy companies including Shell plc and TotalEnergies have declared force majeure to clients following supply disruptions from QatarEnergy, sources said.
Several LNG portfolio players and offtakers notified customers they may be unable to meet contractual deliveries after Qatar halted production at its major export facility.
Qatar, the world’s second-largest LNG exporter, suspended operations at its 77 million tons-per-year facility last week and declared force majeure on shipments.
The disruption has triggered a chain reaction across global LNG markets, as traders and suppliers pass contractual notices to downstream buyers.
Shell, the world’s largest LNG trader, declined to comment on the declarations, while TotalEnergies did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
Both companies maintain long-term partnerships with QatarEnergy and are key partners in the North Field Expansion, aimed at boosting production capacity by 2027.
Analysts estimate Shell lifts around 6.8 million tons per year of Qatari LNG, while TotalEnergies takes roughly 5.2 million tons, distributing supplies globally.
Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said deliveries could take “weeks to months” to normalize, with shipment disruptions expected to begin affecting contracts from April.
