Updated : 2026-03-20 11:03:40 KST
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, concerns over long-term energy supply disruption intensify. South Korea, one of the largest importers of Qatari LNG, may have to brace for the termination of its energy contracts. Ahn Sung-jin has the details. Fears over a global energy crisis intensify after major energy facilities in the Middle East were damaged.
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termination 종료
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QatarEnergy announced on Friday that it may invoke force majeure on long-term LNG contracts with key importers including South Korea, China, Italy and Belgium for up to five years. Its CEO said the decision comes after a direct attack on its critical LNG infrastructure in Ras Laffan Industrial City. The strike by Iran targeted a facility responsible for roughly 20 percent of global LNG supply. Two LNG production lines and one gas-to-liquids facility were destroyed.
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invoke 발동하다, 적용하다
force majeure [ˌmæˈʒɜː(r)]불가항력
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The damage knocked out 17 percent of QatarEnergy's total export capacity with repairs expected to take three to five years. According to Qatari authorities, the attack is estimated to cut the country's annual output by approximately 12-point-9 million tons. This attack came as a retaliatory strike by Iran on energy infrastructure across Gulf states including Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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knock out 압도하다, 파괴하다
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"Unfortunately, this act of sabotage reflects nothing but an aggressive and irresponsible policy, and a dangerous escalation by the Iranian side." South Korea is one of the largest importers of Qatari LNG. Although it has diversified supply sources to include the U.S. and Australia, Qatar still accounts for roughly 20 percent of its imports with long-term contracts covering about 6-point-1 million tons annually.
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sabotage 사보타주(적이 사용하는 것을 막기 위해 또는 무엇에 대한 항의의 표시로 장비, 운송 시설, 기계 등을 고의로 파괴하는 것)
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The state-run Korea Gas Corporation stated that current reserves exceed mandatory levels and can sustain demand through the end of the year. However, prolonged disruptions could force countries into fierce competition for limited LNG supplies on the spot market, driving up prices not only for industrial sectors but also energy costs for households.
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Analysts warn this damage could have a long-lasting impact, and that the current conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz could delay reconstruction efforts for Qatar's energy infrastructure. Ahn Sung-jin, Arirang News.
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영어 원문 출처 및 동영상 링크;
arirang news/World
https://m.arirang.com/news/view?id=293941