Qatar has reported that Iranian missile strikes on the Ras Laffan Industrial City, the nation’s primary gas facility, have inflicted “significant damage”.
“The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation and denunciation of the blatant Iranian attack targeting Ras Laffan Industrial City, which caused fires resulting in significant damage to the facility,” stated Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement released on Wednesday.
Qatar Ministry of Interior indicated that a fire at the location of the Iranian strikes had been preliminarily contained and that there were no reported injuries.
“All personnel have been accounted for and no casualties have been reported at this time,” QatarEnergy, the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer globally, stated.
Iran warns of strikes on oil and gas facilities
These announcements followed Iran’s threats to target oil and gas facilities throughout the Gulf region in retaliation for an Israeli strike on its South Pars gasfield, as tensions from the United States-Israeli conflict with the country continue to rise.
Iran’s warning of potential attacks was aimed at Qatar’s Mesaieed Petrochemical complex, Mesaieed Holding Company, and Ras Laffan Refinery.
Saudi Arabia’s Samref Refinery and Jubail Petrochemical complex; as well as the United Arab Emirates’ Al Hosn gasfield.
In response, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared the military and security attaches of the Iranian embassy, along with their staff, as persona non grata.
The ministry demanded their departure from Qatar within 24 hours, noting that this decision was made due to Iran’s ongoing attacks.
Qatar informs Pakistan of suspension of LNG
The present circumstances in the Middle East are extremely concerning, making it unfeasible to secure Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from Qatar. As reported by various media outlets, Qatar Gas has notified Pakistan regarding the halt of LNG supply.
At this time, there are eight LNG shipments planned to arrive from Qatar in March.
However, only two have been successfully delivered.
The other six shipments were expected on March 7, 11, 12, 16, 20, and 21.
The Petroleum Division has indicated that Pakistan will not receive LNG from Qatar until the conflict situation is resolved.
Read more: Is Pakistan getting LNG from Qatar under current situation?
