Qatar orders first quarter of Chinese LNG tankers
The world’s largest LNG exporter has taken the first step in its vast fleet expansion
State-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) has ordered four LNG carriers from Chinese shipbuilder Hudong, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, as the first step in its plans to significantly expand its capabilities ahead of its North Field East (NFE) expansion. But the initial order represents just a quarter of the capacity it potentially has reserved with Hudong, while it has still to kick off a far bigger option with yards in South Korea. QP values the deal for the four ships confirmed with Hudong at QAR2.8bn ($760mn). It signed a deal with the Chinese firm in April 2020 to reserve capacity out to 2027 that could total in excess of QAR11bn, “depending on [QP’s] requirements and the
Also in this section
5 March 2026
Gas is a central pillar of Colombia’s energy system, but declining production poses a significant challenge, and LNG will be increasingly needed as a stopgap. A recent major offshore gas discovery offers hope, but policy improvements are also required, Camilo Morales, secretary general of Naturgas, the Colombian gas association, tells Petroleum Economist
4 March 2026
The continent’s inventories were already depleted before conflict erupted in the Middle East, causing prices to spike ahead of the crucial summer refilling season
4 March 2026
The US president has repeatedly promised to lower gasoline prices, but this ambition conflicts with his parallel aim to increase drilling and could be upended by his war against Iran
4 March 2026
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat






