Heightened tensions in the Middle East have begun to ripple across global energy markets after Iran launched a missile strike on Ras Laffan, Qatar’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. The attack has intensified fears of prolonged supply disruptions and rising fuel costs, with countries like India expected to feel the impact sharply.

The Gulf region has emerged as the focal point of escalating hostilities, with Iran targeting energy infrastructure and US-linked assets following strikes by the United States and Israel. The latest attack on Qatar’s key LNG hub has reportedly forced a complete halt in production at the facility, which is among the largest of its kind globally.

Qatar is a major LNG exporter and ranks alongside the United States, Australia and Russia in global supply. The disruption is not an isolated incident. Earlier in March, missile strikes on Qatari gas fields had already compelled QatarEnergy to suspend operations temporarily. These developments are linked to retaliatory actions following an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field, part of the world’s largest natural gas reserve.

The broader conflict has also affected maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With rising threats to shipping, tanker movement has slowed significantly, pushing global oil and gas prices higher.

The situation has further escalated with continued strikes and counterstrikes across the region. Reports indicate heavy casualties in Iran, while missile and drone attacks continue to target strategic assets. The conflict, now in its third week, has effectively turned key shipping lanes into high-risk zones, with hundreds of cargo vessels stranded near major Gulf ports.

Impact on India

India is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions due to its reliance on imported natural gas. Around 50 percent of the country’s gas demand is met through imports, with Qatar accounting for a significant share.

According to energy economist Kirit Parikh, India sources roughly 40 percent of its LNG imports from Qatar, translating to about 20 percent of its total gas consumption. Any prolonged disruption could therefore strain domestic supply.

India’s current daily natural gas consumption stands at about 189 million metric standard cubic meters per day (MMSCMD), with nearly half met through domestic production. However, a portion of imported supply—estimated at 47.4 MMSCMD—has already been affected due to force majeure conditions.

In response, state-run gas companies have started sourcing LNG cargoes from alternative suppliers. However, such arrangements are likely to come at higher costs, adding pressure on industries dependent on gas, particularly the power sector.

Experts suggest that if the crisis persists, India may need to rationalise gas consumption, prioritising essential sectors while cutting usage in others.

US President Donald Trump has said Israel will refrain from launching further attacks on Iran’s South Pars gas field unless Tehran chooses to strike Qatar again, amid a sharp escalation in tensions across the Gulf region.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that Israel’s earlier strike on Iran’s South Pars offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) field was carried out “out of anger” over the ongoing conflict. He added that the United States had no prior knowledge of the Israeli action.

Trump also emphasised that Qatar had no involvement in the incident. “The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form involved with it,” he said.

According to Trump, Iran responded to the situation without full information and carried out what he described as an “unjustified” attack on Qatar’s LNG infrastructure.

He warned that Israel would not target the South Pars field again unless Iran escalates by attacking Qatar. However, he issued a strong warning that the United States could take direct action if such a scenario unfolds.

“If Qatar’s LNG is again attacked, the United States, with or without the help or consent of Israel, will respond with overwhelming force,” Trump said, while adding that he would prefer to avoid such escalation due to long-term consequences.

Iran strikes Qatar energy facilities

QatarEnergy confirmed that Iranian missile strikes hit LNG facilities in the country, causing fires and significant damage. Emergency teams were deployed to control the situation, and no casualties have been reported so far.

Qatar, one of the world’s leading exporters of natural gas, had already halted production earlier due to the conflict. The latest damage could further delay supply recovery, raising concerns in global energy markets.

Regional tensions widen

The situation intensified after Israel targeted Iran’s South Pars gas field, a major shared energy resource between Iran and Qatar. In retaliation, Iran expanded its strikes across the Gulf region.

Reports indicate that Iranian attacks also targeted gas infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, including the Habshan facility and Bab field. Authorities described the strikes as a “dangerous escalation,” though operations had been shut down following defensive interceptions.

Qatar has reportedly asked Iranian embassy officials to leave the country within 24 hours, signalling a further deterioration in diplomatic ties.

Oil prices surge amid supply fears

The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted global energy markets. Oil prices rose by around 5 per cent, crossing $108 per barrel, as concerns grew over supply disruptions.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for nearly one-fifth of global oil supply, remains under pressure, contributing to market volatility. Brent crude prices have surged करीब 50 per cent since the conflict began on February 28.

In response to tightening supplies, the US administration has moved to ease certain sanctions on Venezuela, allowing American companies to engage with its state-owned oil sector to stabilise supply.

Israeli Prime Minister appears alongside US envoy, addresses conspiracy theories and ongoing conflict remarks

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly dismissed viral rumours about his death, appearing in a fresh video alongside US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

The video surfaced after days of speculation online, where misleading posts questioned his absence and circulated claims about altered footage showing him with “six fingers.”

In the clip, Huckabee jokes that US President Donald Trump had asked him to personally check on Netanyahu. Responding with humour, Netanyahu says, “Yes, Mike. Yes, I’m alive.”

Rumours and online claims gain traction

Speculation had intensified across social media as tensions escalated between Israel and Iran.

Some posts claimed Netanyahu had not been seen publicly, while others pointed to a previous video where his hand appeared unusual, fuelling conspiracy theories about manipulated or AI-generated footage.

Remarks on iran conflict

During the interaction, Netanyahu also made comments referencing Israeli strikes, mentioning Iranian figures including Ali Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani.

Using a metaphorical tone, he spoke about “erasing names” from a list, while praising US support and reiterating Israel’s stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Huckabee responded in a lighter tone, joking that his own name was not on the list, to which Netanyahu replied that he was among the “good guys.”

Earlier video mocked conspiracy

Before releasing this clip, Netanyahu had already addressed the rumours in another video posted online. Sitting at a café, he joked about being “dead for coffee,” using a phrase implying strong liking.

He also directly responded to the “six fingers” claim by showing both hands to the camera and inviting viewers to count his fingers.

The videos appear aimed at countering misinformation circulating online as geopolitical tensions continue in the region.