Qatar successfully exported LNG via Hormuz for the first time since the outbreak of the war with Iran.

Qatar successfully exported LNG via Hormuz for the first time since the outbreak of the Iran-Iran conflict, reflecting an early sign that a key global energy route may be partially reopening.

On May 10, 2026, at 11:23 AM, Bloomberg News reported that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker from Qatar successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This marks Qatar's first LNG export since the outbreak of the Iran-Iran war.

Ship tracking data compiled by Bloomberg indicates that the vessel “Al Kharaitiyat,” which has been carrying LNG from Qatar’s Ras Laffan export plant since earlier this month, has been able to leave the Strait of Hormuz and enter the Gulf of Oman, with Pakistan as its next destination.

The information also indicates that the vessel likely used the northern shipping route, which is closer to the Iranian coast and is a route approved by Tehran for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in recent times has severely impacted global LNG supply, driving up gas prices and causing shortages in several Asian countries. Meanwhile, shipping vessels continue to face security risks following the de facto maritime blockade imposed by both Iran and the United States.

Although the voyage of Al Kharaitiyat is seen as an early sign that LNG exports may be partially resuming, the volume is still far from pre-war levels, when an average of about three LNG ships depart the Persian Gulf daily under normal circumstances.

Bloomberg previously reported that at least two LNG tankers carrying cargo from Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.'s export plant have been able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.

In the past, Qatar has attempted to send ships through the strait several times, but most ships had to turn back midway due to security risks. Qatar, which produces almost one-fifth of the world's LNG, has been unable to export any LNG through the Persian Gulf since the war began in late February.

Data from the Equasis vessel database indicates that the Al Kharaitiyat is owned by Nakilat. Neither Nakilat nor QatarEnergy has commented on the report.

Reference: bloomberg.com

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