Qatar is positioning itself to become the world’s biggest buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States, highlighting a growing shift in global gas trade and the country’s expanding role in the international energy market.

QatarEnergy, the country’s state-owned energy company, is projected to control about 23.7 million tonnes of US LNG annually by 2033, according to estimates by energy research firm Wood Mackenzie.

The projection includes supplies secured through two long-term agreements signed in October, which are expected to add seven million tonnes per year to the company’s portfolio. QatarEnergy also holds a 70 per cent stake in the Golden Pass LNG export project in Texas.

The development marks a significant shift in Qatar’s position in the global gas industry. Rather than relying solely on its domestic production and exports, the country is expanding its access to supplies from the United States to strengthen its international gas trading business.

The US LNG purchases are intended for resale to international markets rather than domestic consumption in Qatar. The strategy will give the company greater flexibility in supplying customers across different regions.

The move also comes as Qatar faces disruptions to its gas exports following attacks on shipping linked to the conflict involving Iran and interruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has significantly reduced the country’s ability to deliver LNG to international buyers.

The additional US supplies, expected to become available from 2030 and 2031, are not designed to address the immediate export challenges but could help QatarEnergy maintain supply commitments and reduce its exposure to future disruptions.