QatarEnergy is reported to have extended force majeure for its European buyers until at least the end of September, underscoring the prolonged impact of the disruption to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The company is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, and the latest extension shows how a chokepoint in global shipping can quickly reverberate through long-term supply contracts well beyond the region. While Europe is not its largest customer base, the disruption is also affecting European buyers, even as the impact in Asia appears to be broader.

No LNG tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz since 16 July. Even if there were any shadow fleet movements, which would be unlikely for Qatar, the number would likely be minimal.

One of QatarEnergy’s major European customers, Italy’s Edison SpA, said QatarEnergy notified it that three LNG cargoes will not be delivered in the latest delay. In total, 24 LNG cargoes have been affected for Edison during the force majeure period, representing about 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas shipments.

Edison SpA has a contract with QatarEnergy for the supply of 6.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas shipments per year to Italy, a deal that has been in force since 2009. The company said the force majeure was a key factor behind the halving of its Q1 operating profit, highlighting how delivery interruptions can flow through to buyers’ near-term results even when underlying contracts remain in place.

Last week, QatarEnergy also extended force majeure to several Asian customers and prolonged lease contracts on some of its LNG tankers through at least mid-October. The staggered extensions point to a disruption that is still being managed across regions and shipping arrangements, with no immediate sign that normal LNG transit through the strait has resumed.