Catar Resumes Strength in Japan's Energy Market

Qatar and Japan’s partnership in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector is at a pivotal moment. After years of weakening fuel trade relations, the two nations are on the verge of formalizing a new chapter: an ambitious long-term supply agreement that promises to revitalize their energy ties.

Terms of the New LNG Partnership

Negotiations between QatarEnergy and Jera, Japan’s largest utility company, are nearing their final stages. According to specialized agencies, the contract is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, establishing an annual supply of approximately 3 million tons of LNG from Qatar to Japan. This volume signals an important recovery, especially considering that in 2025, Qatari supplies to Japan had reached only 3.3 million tons per year.

The Context of Decline and Resurgence

To understand the significance of this agreement, it is essential to look at the trajectory of energy relations. In 2017, Qatar supplied about 10 million tons of LNG annually to Japan — a volume significantly higher than recent figures. The reduction reflects a structural shift in the market: Japan, the world’s second-largest LNG buyer, diversified its supply sources in search of greater flexibility. Alternative suppliers, particularly the United States, gained increasing shares of this demand through more adaptable contracts.

Now, Qatar seeks to regain its position as a strategic supplier. This new agreement is not just a commercial transaction — it represents the country’s bet on reaffirming its relevance in the Asian energy market as competitors expand their presence.

Ambitious Expansion: Qatar’s Plan Through 2030

Qatar’s strategy goes beyond bilateral negotiations with Japan. The country is executing a large-scale expansion plan, aiming to increase its LNG export capacity to 142 million tons by 2030 — nearly doubling the current capacity. Within this vision, stable clients and long-term commitments like the agreement with Jera become key components of the planned growth.

This move positions Qatar as a player willing to offer energy stability in an increasingly volatile global scenario, consolidating its leadership strategy in the international LNG market.