Italy Secures LNG Supply from U.S. Amid Qatar Disruptions

Starting in June 2026, Italy will receive liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Golden Pass LNG facility in Texas, a joint venture between QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil. This development is crucial for Italy as it seeks to mitigate a supply gap caused by disruptions in LNG deliveries from Qatar, which have been linked to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The LNG shipments will be directed to Italy's Adriatic LNG terminal, marking the first cargoes from the Golden Pass facility to the country.

Reuters

Italy has been facing challenges in its LNG supply chain, particularly due to a notification from its Gulf supplier, QatarEnergy, regarding a pause in deliveries. This interruption is attributed to heightened tensions in the region, specifically the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has impacted 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity. QatarEnergy's CEO indicated that the company may need to declare force majeure on long-term contracts for LNG supplies destined for Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China, potentially lasting up to five years.

Reuters

In response to the increasing demand for LNG, U.S. exports have surged to record levels, with plants operating above their nameplate capacity. In March 2026, U.S. LNG exports reached an all-time high, as new production units came online. The Golden Pass facility has recently produced its first LNG, paving the way for the initial cargo deliveries to Italy.

Reuters

Exxon Mobil confirmed that gas exports from the Golden Pass LNG facility would commence in the second quarter of 2026. However, Italian utility Edison, which has a long-term contract with QatarEnergy for 6.4 billion cubic meters of LNG annually—approximately 10% of Italy's total consumption—declined to comment on the situation.

Reuters

Some analysts have raised concerns about Italy's reliance on U.S. LNG amid geopolitical tensions. Critics argue that the situation underscores the vulnerabilities in Italy's energy security and the potential long-term implications of depending on a single supplier, especially in light of the ongoing instability in the Middle East.

Reuters

While the announcement of LNG deliveries from the Golden Pass facility is welcomed, discrepancies remain regarding the extent of the supply disruptions from Qatar. The exact duration and impact of the force majeure declarations on Italy's energy supply have not been fully clarified, leaving uncertainties in the market.

Reuters

“QatarEnergy will have to declare force majeure on long-term contracts for up to five years for LNG supplies bound for Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China, its CEO added.” — Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, CEO of QatarEnergy

Reuters

“Exxon Mobil said gas exports from Golden Pass LNG would start in the second quarter of this year.” — Exxon Mobil Representative

Reuters