Qatar exports surge as demand for gas climbs on Ukraine crisis

Qatar’s exports soared in April as the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter benefits from a surge in demand after the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Total exports amounted to QR43.5bn ($11.9bn) compared with QR21bn a year ago, according to a statement. That resulted in a trade surplus of QR34.2bn in the month.

Europe is racing to find alternatives to gas from Russia – the continent’s biggest supplier – after the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Imports of liquefied natural gas from Qatar and the US, the world’s largest exporters, are a key part of that solution.

Several senior European Union officials – including the bloc’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, and Germany’s Economic Minister Robert Habeck – have traveled to Qatar in the past months to discuss gas supplies.

China was the top destination of Qatar’s exports in April with close to QR6.6bn riyals, followed by India and Japan.