Qatar sent an LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first visible export movement in a week

Qatar has successfully sent an LNG tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first visible export movement in a week amid ongoing regional tensions. The vessel, Al Kharaitiyat, loaded at the Ras Laffan export plant and has now exited the strait, heading toward Pakistan, according to ship-tracking data confirming the movement. This marks Qatar’s first LNG shipment through the strategic waterway since the outbreak of war with Iran in late February 2026.

The transit comes after several failed attempts by Qatari tankers to pass through the strait, with previous vessels turning back due to security concerns. The Al Kharaitiyat reportedly followed the northern route approved by Tehran, which runs close to the Iranian coast. The movement is seen as a cautious step toward resuming LNG exports from the Persian Gulf, although output remains far below pre-conflict levels, which averaged about three shipments per day.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed to commercial traffic due to heightened security risks and de facto blockades imposed by both Iran and the U.S. The resumption of even limited exports could provide some relief to strained global LNG markets. However, the long-term stability of such shipments remains uncertain given the volatile geopolitical environment.