An explosion and fire at Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex has injured 54 people and left 18 missing, according to multiple wire services.
The blast occurred while workers were attempting to restart operations at the facility, which had been halted following a recent Iranian attack on the site.
The incident underscores the fragility of energy infrastructure in the region and the operational risks associated with rapid recovery efforts.
Natural gas prices surged in early trading as traders assessed the potential impact on global LNG supply.
The Ras Laffan complex is a critical hub for Qatar’s exports, and any prolonged disruption could tighten an already constrained market.
Brent crude also saw upward pressure, reflecting broader concerns about energy security and the potential for further instability in the Persian Gulf.