Govt weighs lifting ban on new gas connections as Qatar supply outlook improves

The government is considering lifting the ban on new domestic LNG connections if liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Qatar improve, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday. 

According to sources in the Petroleum Division, the restriction was imposed after Qatar suspended LNG exports worldwide following attacks on its LNG production facilities during the US-Iran conflict.

The suspension, declared under force majeure, has now reportedly been extended until the end of August 2026.

Petroleum Division sources said the government is expected to review the ban once Qatar formally lifts the force majeure.

If supplies return to normal as anticipated, the suspension on new household LNG connections could be withdrawn by September.

The sources added that the resumption of LNG supplies would improve the country's gas availability and enable authorities to restart issuing domestic connections.

The government had halted new residential LNG connections in May following the disruption in Qatar's LNG exports, citing supply constraints.