Qatar's Saad al-Kaabi Threatens to Halt LNG Shipments to EU Over New Law on Forced Labor

Dec 22, 2024, 09:23 AM

Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi announced that the country will halt gas shipments to the European Union if member states enforce a new corporate due diligence law that imposes penalties for failing to meet standards on carbon emissions and labor rights. Al-Kaabi emphasized that Qatar is serious about this threat, stating that the country will not tolerate hefty fines under the directive aimed at improving corporate sustainability. The warning comes amid concerns over the EU's reliance on Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, particularly as Europe prepares for potential energy shortages due to reduced Russian gas supplies starting in 2025.