Qatar LNG site blast injures 54, 18 missing after Iran attack

Qatar's Interior Ministry confirmed the casualty figures and stated that search and rescue operations were ongoing. The incident could lead to further disruption in global energy markets, given Qatar's position as one of the world's leading natural gas producers.

Production at the Ras Laffan industrial area had been halted previously due to Iranian attacks and chokeholds on the Strait of Hormuz. With Iran reportedly loosening its grip on the strait, Qatar had begun efforts to restart its export terminal, leading to Sunday night's explosion.

The Barzan plant has a capacity of nearly 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, primarily used for local electricity generation and water desalination. QatarEnergy owns nearly all of the plant, with ExxonMobil holding a minor stake.

In March, an Iranian missile strike had already caused extensive damage to the Ras Laffan facility, prompting Doha to halt production.