-- QatarEnergy is preparing to resume liquefied natural gas (LNG) and associated liquids production at the world's biggest such facility for the export market, Reuters reported Wednesday citing sources familiar with the matter.
Sources close to the company indicated that two out of the three conventional liquefaction trains at the QELNG North 1 facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City have been successfully brought back online, as per the report.
Following a series of aerial attacks on its primary infrastructure in March, QatarEnergy was forced into a total production suspension of LNG and associated liquids at Ras Laffan, the world's largest LNG export facility.
Wood Mackenzie analysts suggested that returning the entire 12-train Ras Laffan complex to full service could still take several months.
Qatar's export capabilities also remain tethered to the volatile security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian naval forces continue to enforce a restrictive permission-based transit system, reportedly warning that the waterway remains effectively shut to uncoordinated commercial traffic.
Consequently, while Qatar may be able to fill its storage tanks, a return to normal global deliveries is dependent on shipping corridors reopening.
The company did not respond immediately to' request for comments.
(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)