QatarEnergy: Golden Pass to start LNG exports end‑2025; North Field East mid‑2026
- Golden Pass LNG export project will begin production at the end of this year.
- North Field East expansion will start production mid‑2026.
- QatarEnergy says oil needs to be roughly $70–80 per barrel to sustain current production and increase reserves.
- Including U.S. volumes QatarEnergy expects to produce 160 million tonnes of LNG, trades about 10 million tonnes physically, and operates 70 LNG ships with 128 more to be added.
Production timelines
Minister Saad Sherida Al‑Kaabi said the Golden Pass LNG export project in the U.S. will start production at the end of this year and that the North Field East expansion in Qatar will start production mid‑2026.
Investment and pricing
He called for continued investment in energy projects and stated that a fair oil price—"somewhere in the range of 70 to 80 dollars" per barrel—is needed to sustain current production, support growth and develop additional reserves, otherwise shortages may result.
Demand outlook and exploration
Al‑Kaabi warned of rising energy needs, citing population growth and gaps in electricity access, and described ongoing global exploration activity by QatarEnergy, noting participation in new blocks worldwide despite variable success and that exploration efforts take time.
Trading, fleet and partnerships
The company said it now trades about 10 million tonnes of LNG physically, will produce 160 million tonnes of LNG if U.S. volumes are included, and currently has 70 LNG ships with plans to add 128 more. He also referenced Qatari‑US energy partnerships, including the Golden Triangle petrochemicals plant, and noted Qatar Airways selected Boeing in a fleet expansion tender after commercial evaluation, saying the deals were mutually beneficial and not the result of pressure.
Source: QatarEnergy