Qatar Petroleum accelerates overseas expansion drive
While international attention is focused on the Qatari state energy company’s flagship domestic LNG project, the firm is quickly building a worldwide portfolio
Government-owned Qatar Petroleum (QP) in late July built on ties with Eni and Total to acquire interests in five exploration blocks in Kenya and Guyana. This is the latest move in a two-year international upstream acquisition spree that has seen the traditionally domestically-focussed company build a substantial portfolio in Africa and the Americas, as well as within the GCC. Global diversification is a long-stated QP aim—one appearing especially prudent in light of its two-year blockade by its GCC peers and rising US-Iranian friction. "QP's international expansion is being driven by corporate strategy," says Lynn Morris-Akinyemi, analyst at consultancy Wood Mackenzie. "It started this lates
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
