In the short run, Saudi, Emirati, and Egyptian sanctions are posing an inconvenience for the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade. Qatar the world’s largest LNG exporter, has tried to remain neutral in the clash between Saudi Arabia and Iran over Persian Gulf dominance. However the Saudis, along with U.S. pressure, are now forcing Qatar to pick sides.
The escalating diplomatic conflict between Saudi Arabia and Qatar have resulted in a number of issues, including bunker fuel access to ships inbound from Asia and a potential closure of the Suez Canal for Qatari ships (unlikely due to international treaty). Qatar has recently diverted two European-bound ships from Suez transit to round the African Cape, a policy that is likely to continue until current friction is resolved.
Shell’s LNG supply to the Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP) is sourced from Qatar. Due to the ban, Shell’s “Maran Gas Amphipolis” from Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass, which was initially headed towards the Port of Mina Al-Ahmadi in Kuwait, had to be redirected to the Port of Jebel Ali in Dubai.
The UAE and Qatar Will Not End Pipeline Deliveries
The Dolphin natural gas pipeline connects the UAE and Qatar, delivering 2 Bcf/d. The pipeline delivers Qatari natural gas to the UAE and Oman. Oman has remained neutral in this conflict.
With recent tensions, Genscape believes that the UAE will not be able to replace this volume through LNG while the Persian Gulf is in the middle of air conditioning season. It is also unlikely Qatar will want to sever this relationship; it’s necessary in order to maintain reliability as a supplier and to prevent an abrupt shut off, which could tax their reservoir.
Egypt’s Gas Goal: Self Sufficient End of 2018
Egypt has vastly expanded its gas reserves over the last several years and hopes to speed up its production. EGAS is looking to defer dozens of cargoes that are due for arrival as production begins at Egypt's Zohr gas field in the Mediterranean. Trading companies holding the tenders will redirect Qatari supply to other markets.
Long-Term U.S. Gains from Qatari Fall Out
Qatari reliability concerns may encourage LNG buyers to look to American supply. Japan and Qatar are currently in negotiations for expiring contracts in 2022 and 2023, but should Japanese buyers decide to leave, they risk losing lucrative equity positions in Qatari projects. However, Japan, like Korea, has a security pact and trade issues with the U.S. that will weigh on these future commitments. Qatar’s market share in Japan is already under pressure from Australian and U.S. supplies, as well as future Russian sources. Losing share in Japan will force Qatar to seek sales among less creditworthy buyers in Africa and South Asia.
Qatar is not alone facing reliability issues. Saudi Arabia’s launch of its trillion dollar IPO may suffer collateral damage if the dispute does not wind down.
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