A major explosion has struck Qatar’s primary liquefied natural gas export terminal, injuring 54 people and leaving 18 others missing.
The incident occurred late at night at the Ras Laffan industrial area, a critical hub for the nation's energy exports, as workers attempted to resume operations following a previous shutdown.
The blast took place during restart procedures after operations had been halted due to bombardment by Iran.
This sequence of events underscores the severe operational vulnerabilities facing key energy infrastructure in the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
The timing of the accident, coinciding with efforts to bring facilities back online, suggests that the physical damage and safety protocols are significantly complicating the return to normal production levels.
Qatar is the world's largest exporter of LNG, and any disruption at Ras Laffan has immediate implications for global gas supplies.