Qatar’s energy minister warns of halting LNG supplies to Europe if EU’s environmental and human rights due diligence rules are not watered down
ABU DHABI: Qatar’s energy minister has issued a stark warning that the Gulf state will stop supplying liquefied natural gas to Europe if Brussels proceeds with its planned environmental and human rights regulations.
Minister Saad Al-Kaabi specifically threatened to halt deliveries unless Europe waters down or cancels the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
This EU directive requires large companies to address adverse human rights and environmental impacts throughout their global supply chains.
The legislation received support from a broad coalition of European politicians spanning left-wing, green, centrist, and even some centre-right lawmakers.
Critics have consistently argued that these rules impose excessive burdens on businesses.
Al-Kaabi emphasised that Qatar would definitely stop LNG deliveries to Europe if the CSDDD remains unchanged, particularly highlighting the potential penalty of 5% of global turnover.
Qatar ranks among the world’s leading LNG producers alongside the United States, Australia, and Russia.
European demand for Qatari gas has significantly increased since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine created supply uncertainties.
The Gulf nation recently secured multiple LNG agreements with major energy companies including France’s Total, Italy’s Eni, India’s Petronet, and China’s Sinopec.
Al-Kaabi told an Abu Dhabi petroleum conference that Qatar maintains consistent business policies and views on energy transition and future oil and gas needs.
The European Commission originally proposed the CSDDD text in 2022, with formal adoption occurring in April 2024 before its upcoming implementation. – AFP
