Qatar Threatens EU Gas Supply Cut
- Qatar has warned it may redirect its liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments away from the european Union due to a recently enacted EU directive.
- Qatar is a leading global exporter of LNG,playing a crucial role in Europe's efforts to diversify its energy sources,notably in light of the ongoing geopolitical situation.
- The core of the dispute lies with the EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which aims to compel companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts on...
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Qatar Threatens to Divert LNG supplies from Europe Over EU Directive
Table of Contents
published November 5, 2025, at 15:32 EST
Overview
Qatar has warned it may redirect its liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments away from the european Union due to a recently enacted EU directive. Minister of State for Energy and QatarEnergy CEO saad Sherida Al Kaabi confirmed the potential shift in supply on October 23, 2025, following letters sent by Qatar and the United States to EU heads of state on October 22, 2025, criticizing the new regulations.
Qatar’s Role in European Energy Supply
Qatar is a leading global exporter of LNG,playing a crucial role in Europe’s efforts to diversify its energy sources,notably in light of the ongoing geopolitical situation. during the first quarter of 2025, Qatar was the third-largest LNG supplier to the EU, accounting for approximately 10-14% of total LNG imports. Reuters reported on similar concerns earlier in 2024, highlighting Qatar’s sensitivity to regulations impacting its business operations.
| Top LNG Suppliers to the EU (Q1 2025) | Percentage of Total Imports |
|---|---|
| United States | ~35% |
| Russia | ~20% |
| Qatar | 10-14% |
| Norway | ~8% |
| Algeria | ~7% |
Source: Data compiled from Statista and industry reports.
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
The core of the dispute lies with the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which aims to compel companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse impacts on human rights and the environment throughout their value chains.The directive places significant responsibility on businesses to ensure ethical sourcing and operational practices.
Qatar and the US argue that the CSDDD’s broad scope and potential for legal challenges create unacceptable risks for LNG exporters. Specifically, they fear being held liable for actions taken by their suppliers or partners, even if those actions are beyond their direct control. The US has expressed similar concerns, fearing the directive could hinder American companies’ ability to operate in Europe. politico details the US objections, framing them as concerns about extraterritorial overreach.
Potential Consequences and Alternatives
If Qatar follows through on