Major explosion at Qatar's largest energy site injures dozens with 18 still unaccounted for
A major explosion at Qatar's largest energy site injured 54 people and 18 remain unaccounted for. Qatar's interior ministry said search and rescue operations are continuing. The blast has rippled through the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain.
A major explosion early on Monday at Qatar's largest energy production and liquefaction complex left at least 54 people injured according to the initial statement, with 18 people still unaccounted for. Qatar's interior ministry said search and rescue operations are continuing and that the area is under control.
Official sources said a technical investigation has been opened into the cause; the initial assessment points to a leak in a processing unit. No additional damage was identified in the surrounding energy infrastructure, although production at nearby facilities was temporarily halted for a safety inspection.
Qatar is one of the world's largest LNG exporters and the incident sent ripples through the global supply chain. Asian spot LNG prices spiked briefly in the morning session; the European TTF front-month contract also rose. Two LNG carriers reportedly switched their loading ports as their schedules were disrupted.
Read next
US eases Iranian oil sanctions as Iran denies Vance claim on nuclear inspectors
The US Treasury on Monday eased certain sanctions on Iranian oil exports, while Iran's Foreign Ministry rejected as « factually incorrect » a claim by US Vice President JD Vance that nuclear inspectors had been granted « full access » to facilities.
Australian renewable energy company admits « failures » caused destruction of Aboriginal rock shelter
Australia's coal and gas exports violate human rights, group says in new UN case
China's strategic mineral controls threaten EU rearmament push, bloc seeks new sources
North Korea's Kim calls Japan a re-emerging « war state » in rare public address
