Qatar: Energy Minister Calls for Protection of Energy Infrastructure and Shipping Routes During Conflict

Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, has called for the protection of energy infrastructure and shipping routes during conflicts to safeguard global energy supplies.

Speaking at the 28th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Moscow on Monday, Al-Kaabi said disruptions to energy facilities and maritime routes had far-reaching implications for global trade and energy security.

He cited the conflict in the Gulf region and repeated attacks on energy facilities, which he said had severely curtailed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and restricted global access to energy and other essential products.

“The State of Qatar itself was the target of several attacks on our energy production facilities. As a result, our production was halted, and our LNG vessels faced severe restrictions on their movement through regional shipping routes,” Al-Kaabi said.

He said Qatar remained committed to peace and to supplying reliable energy, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), to global markets.

Meeting growing demand for natural gas would require sustained investment across the gas value chain, supported by greater market certainty, fair access to financing and long-term cooperation between producers and consumers, he said.

Al-Kaabi also called for natural gas to remain part of a diversified global energy mix and a balanced energy transition.

“Natural gas is here to stay, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that its role remains firmly anchored in the global energy dialogue,” he said.

The ministerial meeting was held ahead of the eighth GECF Summit of Heads of State and Government.