Qatar and Kuwait have strongly condemned an attack on Al Mayeda, a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, as it sailed through the Arabian Gulf on 1 November 2026. The Al Mayeda LNG tanker attack has raised fresh fears about the safety of shipping lanes that carry a large share of the world’s gas.
What the Qatari and Kuwaiti Governments Said
Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack on Al Mayeda, which belongs to Nakilat, Qatar’s LNG shipping company. It called the attack a serious act that threatens maritime navigation and global energy supplies.
Qatar also said it keeps the right to take all necessary measures under international law and the UN Charter to protect its property, interests, ships and crews. Its ministry added that the competent authorities have begun investigating to establish what happened and who is responsible.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry issued its own statement, strongly condemning the attack and stating “full solidarity” with Qatar. It stressed that international law, freedom of navigation and the safety of ships and crews must be respected. It also called for the circumstances to be revealed and those responsible held to account.
What Is Reported About the Incident
Open-source intelligence and ship-tracking reports say the tanker was struck by a projectile near the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Those reports say the vessel then turned back toward Gulf waters, and that it had reportedly been cleared for safe passage beforehand. These details come from unofficial reports. Neither government statement confirms them.
India’s Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, reportedly said all 25 crew members are safe. Six of them are Indian nationals. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and Western defence analysts have reportedly issued alerts urging commercial vessels to take extra care.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters for Global Energy
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, and Qatar is among the world’s largest LNG exporters. Any attack on an LNG carrier can push up shipping insurance costs, delay deliveries and unsettle gas markets. Both ministries also warned of the environmental damage a strike on an energy tanker could cause in Gulf waters.
What It Means for Pakistan’s Gas Supply
Pakistan relies on Qatari LNG, and the tanker was reportedly heading there. Energy circles are reportedly worried that delays could complicate gas supply as winter demand rises. No official Pakistani statement on supply disruption has been confirmed yet.
What Happens Next
Watch for the results of Qatar’s investigation, any further statements from Gulf governments and UKMTO, and any change in LNG shipping schedules. This story is still developing and will be updated as verified information comes in.
