Qatar Denies Manipulating Global Gas Supply, Accuses Israel of Spreading Disinformation
Qatar has dismissed allegations from Israeli media outlets claiming the nation deliberately halted liquefied natural gas (LNG) production to influence energy prices in the United States. The Qatari government characterised these claims as an attempt to create division between Doha and Washington.
A senior Qatari official stated that energy sector decisions are not driven by political interests. “Qatar will always prioritise the safety of its people above political or economic gain,” the official told Al Jazeera in a formal statement on Thursday, 12 March 2026.
The official also addressed accusations circulating from Israeli media, describing such claims as part of a narrative attempting to exploit global instability to create new tensions in the region. “It is unsurprising that the unofficial spokesperson of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to exploit this period of global instability to sow further tension and division throughout the region,” the official stated.
Previously, Qatar’s state energy company QatarEnergy temporarily suspended LNG production following Iranian drone attacks targeting energy facilities in Qatar. This action pressured global LNG markets, given that Qatar supplies approximately 20% of the world’s LNG requirements. Qatar’s Defence Ministry reported that Iranian drones attacked two locations: a water tank at a power plant in Mesaieed Industrial City and an energy facility at Ras Laffan operated by QatarEnergy, the world’s largest LNG producer.
The Qatari official also responded to statements posted on platform X by Israeli political analyst Amit Segal of N12News. Segal had previously described the halt in gas production as an indication of “coordination between Iran and Qatar to shut down facilities to pressure an end to the war.”
According to the Qatari official, these claims are baseless and instead seek to create the impression of division between the United States and Qatar. The official also viewed the allegations as part of a pattern of misleading reports in recent days. “This accusation is the latest in a pattern of false reports manufactured by Segal, including the highly irresponsible claim that Qatar attacked Iran,” the official said.
The Qatari government emphasised that such narratives risk worsening the situation in a region currently requiring de-escalation efforts. According to officials, the spread of inaccurate information could establish a dangerous precedent for regional stability.