Jera CEO Warns of Persistent Qatar LNG Supply Shortfalls

Yukio Kani, CEO of Jera, the world's largest liquefied natural gas buyer, warned that supply disruptions from Qatar are expected to persist due to ongoing instability in the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar has extended force majeure on shipments to Asian customers through November and European customers through December.

These shortfalls have already caused LNG spot prices to double compared to October 2025, reaching their highest levels since late 2022 in September. Kani noted that seasonally low gas storage in Europe and a planned European Union ban on Russian LNG imports starting in January will likely drive prices higher.

The situation increases competition between Asia and Europe for alternative supplies from the United States and other regions. Kani indicated that if Europe faces a severe winter, the region will have no choice but to buy LNG to provide heating energy for its population.