Shares of Petronet LNG fell around 5 per cent in early trade on Thursday after reports of missile strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan industrial hub heightened concerns over potential disruptions to global LNG supplies.
At 10:18 am, the scrip was trading at ₹277 apiece on the NSE, down 4.96 per cent from its previous close.
The development assumes significance for India’s energy ecosystem, given Petronet LNG’s heavy dependence on Qatar for long-term and spot LNG sourcing. The company imports a substantial portion of its contracted volumes from Qatar under a long-standing agreement of 7.5 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA), recently extended till 2048.
Market sentiment turned cautious following reports that QatarEnergy has suffered extensive damage to infrastructure and has already halted LNG output amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The disruption is compounded by the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route.
Petronet had earlier, on March 3, issued force majeure notices on certain LNG cargoes and informed key offtakers such as GAIL and Indian Oil Corporation about potential supply disruptions. Industry sources indicate that supply cuts to industrial consumers have ranged between 10–40 per cent, although priority segments like CNG and domestic PNG remain largely protected.
India imported approximately 27 MMTPA of LNG in FY25, with Qatar accounting for nearly 40–50 per cent of the total—equivalent to around 10–13 MMTPA. A significant share of this volume flows through Petronet LNG, underscoring the company’s exposure to geopolitical risks in the Gulf.
The supply shock has also triggered volatility in global LNG markets, with spot prices reportedly doubling in recent days. Analysts say prolonged disruption could tighten availability further, increase procurement costs, and weigh on margins for downstream consumers.
