Qatar’s energy minister has warned that all Gulf energy producers may shut down oil exports within weeks if the conflict involving Iran continues and drives crude prices to one hundred and fifty dollars per barrel. Speaking to the Financial Times, Saad al-Kaabi said exporters across the region would be forced to declare force majeure if hostilities persist.

Qatar has already halted production of liquefied natural gas after Iranian strikes on Gulf countries in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States. The country supplies about one fifth of global liquefied natural gas, making it critical to energy markets in Asia and Europe.

Al-Kaabi cautioned that a prolonged conflict would disrupt global economic growth, raise energy prices worldwide, and trigger shortages that could ripple through supply chains. He added that even if fighting stopped immediately, Qatar would need weeks to months to return to normal delivery levels, especially if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains threatened.