Tiny gas-rich Qatar is pushing through with its plans to solidify its top spot as the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) player both in terms of liquefaction capacity and exports. The kingdom currently has an LNG production capacity of 77 million tons per annum (mtpa), but mid last year it shocked energy markets when it announced that it would ramp up production to a staggering 110 mtpa by further developing its prolific North Field within six years. Doha is also likely ramping up production to not only keep its top production slot out of reach of its two toughest LNG production competitors, Australia, and the U.S. Though Doha denies it, the kingdom is also likely ramping up production in the wake of a Saudi-led Arab boycott against Qatar for alleged support and funding for terrorist groups and for its closer pivot to Saudi arch-rival Iran which is battling […]