Major explosion at Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas hub, 54 injured, 18 missing

June 22, 2026

Qatar: Fifty-four people were injured and 18 others are still missing in a massive explosion at a natural gas (LNG) facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on Sunday, while 18 others are still missing. The Qatari Ministry of Interior confirmed the incident in a statement released on the social media platform X.

According to the ministry, the explosion occurred at a plant in the industrial complex. Rescue operations are underway to search for the missing.

Technical fault caused the accident

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior stated that the explosion was an internal explosion, which was later determined to be a technical fault. QatarEnergy stated that a fire broke out after an explosion at the Barzan gas supply facility during the resumption of operations in Ras Laffan.

Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident and the fire was brought under control. However, the exact extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Number of Injured Rises

Initial reports indicated only a few people were injured, but officials later increased the number to 54, highlighting the severity of the accident.

May Impact Global Energy Markets

The explosion comes at a time when global energy markets are already under pressure. Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, and Ras Laffan is a major hub for its energy supply. Consequently, the accident could impact international gas supplies and energy prices.

Efforts to Restore Production Underway

The Qatari government and QatarEnergy are working to restore the Ras Laffan plant to full capacity. Global markets are closely monitoring the restoration of this facility, one of the world’s largest LNG export hubs.

Authorities aim to restore approximately 80 percent of production capacity within two months once operations resume under safe conditions.