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Qatar Warns Closed Strait of Hormuz Could Devastate Global Economy

4/17/2026

35 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Qatar's finance minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari warned at the IMF's spring meetings that a closed Strait of Hormuz could trigger severe economic repercussions.
He described the energy-cost rise as only the tip of the iceberg, with broader impacts expected in one to two months.
He noted damage to Ras Laffan LNG facility worsening a global gas supply crunch and that it could take five years to recover.

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Story summary

Qatar's finance minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari warned at the IMF's spring meetings that a closed Strait of Hormuz could trigger severe economic repercussions.
He described the energy-cost rise as only the tip of the iceberg, with broader impacts expected in one to two months.
He noted damage to Ras Laffan LNG facility worsening a global gas supply crunch and that it could take five years to recover.