Qatar has announced the conclusion of a major agreement with China for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG), marking a new step in its strategy to strengthen energy relations with Asian markets. The partnership, signed in collaboration with Shell, provides for the delivery of 3 million tonnes of LNG per year from January 2025.
According to a statement from QatarEnergy, the emirate’s state-owned company, this agreement illustrates their commitment to meeting the growing needs of international markets. “We are pleased to conclude this agreement with our partner Shell, helping to meet the requirements of its customers in China and strengthening our contribution to global energy supply,” said Saad al-Kaabi, Minister of Energy and Director general of QatarEnergy.
A strategic partnership in a tense energy context
Qatar, a key player in the global LNG market, occupies a leading position alongside the United States, Australia and Russia. This agreement is part of a series of agreements concluded by the emirate with international partners. China, already one of the main consumers of Qatari LNG, further consolidates its strategic energy relations with Doha through this partnership.
Growing demand for LNG in Asia is fueled by the energy transition and the need to secure stable supplies, especially in a context where disruptions linked to the war in Ukraine have disrupted global energy flows. European markets, initially supplied by Russia, have also increased their dependence on Qatari LNG.
A model of longevity and confidence
The exact duration of this agreement with Shell was not disclosed, but QatarEnergy has already concluded similar contracts lasting 27 years with partners such as Sinopec, Total and Petronet. These agreements reflect a long-term vision to stabilize the market and provide energy security for global consumers.
In 2022, Qatar signed a first major agreement with Sinopec to supply China over a period of decades, setting a precedent for similar partnerships. With this new agreement, Shell also strengthens its position on the Chinese market, benefiting from privileged access to Qatari gas.
A growing Asian market
Asian markets, notably China, Japan and South Korea, represent major outlets for Qatari gas. China, in particular, is investing heavily in natural gas infrastructure to reduce its dependence on coal and meet its climate commitments. This new contract demonstrates the growing importance of LNG in Chinese energy strategy.
At the same time, Qatari LNG exports to Europe have increased in recent years to compensate for the decrease in Russian deliveries, thus diversifying the destinations of Qatari gas. This ability to quickly adapt to market fluctuations has strengthened Qatar’s strategic position on the global energy scene.
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