Ship-tracking data show Qatar is recalling empty LNG carriers into waters near
the eastern entrance to the Strait of Hormuz as it prepares to restore roughly
one-fifth of global LNG supply. Three vessels linked to a Qatari state-owned
shipping unit are in the Gulf of Oman approaching the Strait; five other
Qatar-related ships are near eastern Omani waters and several more are en route.
At least three other Qatar-related empty tankers transited the channel in the
past week; Doha had previously avoided moving empty LNG carriers into the
Persian Gulf on security grounds. Qatar loaded just over 300,000 tons of LNG
in the week of June 19, the highest weekly volume since early March but only
about one-fifth of levels before U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in late
February.
