A tanker carrying liquefied natural gas from Qatar was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg reported on Saturday, citing security intelligence firms and ship-tracking data. The incident threatens to further disrupt energy deliveries through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
The attack is the latest in a series of incidents targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply. Security intelligence firms monitoring the waterway confirmed the strike, though details on the extent of damage and the identity of the attacking party remain unclear. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.
The strait has been a flashpoint since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran began in early 2026. Iran has repeatedly threatened to disrupt shipping lanes as retaliation for airstrikes on its territory, and multiple vessels have been targeted in recent months. A separate attack earlier this month struck a tanker off the coast of Oman, causing a fire that required hours to extinguish.
Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas, and any disruption to its shipments has immediate implications for global energy markets. European and Asian buyers are particularly exposed, as both rely heavily on Qatari LNG imports. Energy analysts warned that the incident could push already elevated natural gas prices higher.
The latest strike comes amid broader tensions across the Gulf region. Kuwait’s military reported repelling Iranian drone attacks on Saturday, and the US and Israel have been coordinating plans for what officials describe as potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The combination of shipping threats and military escalation has kept oil markets on edge for months.
International shipping organizations have repeatedly called for the protection of commercial vessels in the strait, noting that attacks on civilian tankers violate international maritime law. The International Maritime Organization has urged all parties to the conflict to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping, though enforcement of these calls has proven difficult amid the ongoing hostilities.
The incident is likely to intensify pressure on the United States and its allies to secure the waterway. Washington has deployed additional naval assets to the Gulf region in recent weeks, including aircraft carriers and destroyer escorts for commercial convoys. However, the sheer scale of the strait and the frequency of attacks have made comprehensive protection a logistical challenge.
Sources: Bloomberg, Arab Times, The Edge Singapore
Author: Middle East Desk
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