Qatar Extends Its Natural Gas Dominance at Russia’s Expense

“Qatar is in a better position than anyone else to take advantage of the situation in Europe,” said Chakib Khelil, a former president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and a former Algerian energy minister. “Qatar’s competitors are either blocked by political problems like Iran and Libya or, like Nigeria or Algeria, don’t have the resources to supply the additional volumes that are needed.”

Qatar is betting that even as much of the world is trying to cut greenhouse gas emissions, demand for liquefied natural gas, or L.N.G., will keep growing. That’s because many elected leaders and energy experts believe the fuel is essential as a replacement for coal and to back up solar and wind energy, which can be limited by inclement weather.

The United States has pushed for a faster transition to green energy, but the Biden administration has embraced Qatar. In remarks at the White House in January before meeting Qatar’s leader, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, President Biden noted that the two countries shared a desire of “ensuring the stability of global energy supplies.”

Last month, the administration approved a $1 billion arms sale to Qatar. “The Biden administration seems to value Qatar’s role in the gas market, especially when it comes to providing supplies to Europe,” said Dania Thafer, executive director of the Gulf International Forum, a Washington research institute.

Qatar’s gas riches have enabled it to host the World Cup and become a power broker in North Africa and the Persian Gulf. Al Jazeera, the satellite television station funded by the Qatari government, has projected the country’s influence and given voice to dissidents across the Middle East.

Despite Western concerns about Qatar’s human rights record, several top European leaders, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, have traveled to Doha, Qatar’s capital, this year in their efforts to secure more energy.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/09/business/energy-environment/qatar-gas-oil.html