Daijiworld Media Network - Doha

Doha, Oct 19: Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, has warned that the economic repercussions of disruptions to Gulf energy supplies have yet to reach their peak, with further consequences expected in the coming months.

Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, al-Thani highlighted major threats facing Qatar and the wider Gulf region, including challenges to national sovereignty, disruptions to energy supplies and the spillover of regional conflicts.

“We haven't reached the peak with respect to energy,” he said, warning of further repercussions “in the coming days and months”.

In March, Iranian attacks damaged Qatar's Ras Laffan industrial complex, a major hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG) production.

Al-Thani stressed the Gulf's strategic importance to international trade, warning that instability in the region could disrupt supply chains connecting eastern and western markets.

He said insecurity could also affect Gulf investments in Europe and the United States, as well as financial assistance provided by Gulf countries to other nations.

His remarks underline concerns over the wider economic consequences of regional instability, particularly its potential impact on energy supplies, international trade and global investment flows.