Clean Energy secures Puerto Rico LNG contracts
LNG Prime June 16, 2026
US LNG supplier Clean Energy Fuels has secured two separate contracts to design and install liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling systems for gas-to-power applications in Puerto Rico.
Cuba claims Rubio hardens economic and energy blockade after Cupet sanction
June 11th 2026 –
Cuba accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of “further reinforcing” the economic and energy siege against the island, after Washington sanctioned the state company Unión Cuba-Petróleo (Cupet), which handles crude extraction, refining and officials, including President Miguel Díaz-Canel, designated a week earlier.
Rubio said key assets of Cupet “were unlawfully expropriated from American owners years ago” —a reference to the 1960 nationalization of oil production— and accused the Cuban government of using energy “as a weapon” and of diverting resources to enrich itself, a claim that he did not back with evidence.
Rodríguez replied on social media that Rubio acts “out of ambitions of conquest, presidential aspirations and the vindictive sentiments of the elitist clique that propelled his political career.” Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Trade chief Oscar Pérez-Oliva asserted that the sanction “deepens the energy blockade and with it the genocide” the United States commits against the Cuban people.
The measure came after US media Bloomberg and the Miami Herald reported that the firm Vanguard Energy, based in Coral Gables, Florida, was negotiating to lease Cupet storage facilities to send fuel to the island —about 100,000 barrels of gasoline and 150,000 of diesel every 30 to 40 days, enough to cover 11 days of demand.
The State Department denied granting a licence to evade the blockade, and Miami-Dade County revoked Vanguard’s local fiscal licence over its “proposed fuel shipments” to Cuba. Sanctions are part of the maximum-pressure campaign of the US administration, which since January sought to cut off fuel supplies to the island:
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- first by halting energy exports from its ally Venezuela,
- then by threatening tariffs against any country that ships oil to Cuba.
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Analysts warn the measure could worsen Cuba’s energy crisis, marked by blackouts and fuel shortages and hit the most vulnerable hardest. Rubio, of Cuban descent, said last month that the likelihood of an agreement between the two countries “is not high.”
Sanctioning Cuba’s State-Owned Oil and Gas Company Unión Cuba-Petróleo
US STATE DEPARTMENT designates Cuba’s state-owned oil and gas company Union Cuba-Petroleo (CUPET), key assets of which were unlawfully expropriated from American owners years ago, pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order (E.O.) 14404 of May 1, 2026. CUPET is being designated pursuant to Section 2(a)(i)(A) of E.O. 14404, for operating or having operated in the energy sector of the Cuban economy.
The US Administration will continue to target Cuba’s ability to leverage energy trade to further its corrupt agenda and repressive security apparatus. The Department’s actions are being taken pursuant to E.O. 14404, which authorizes sweeping sanctions on Cuba, including persons who support the Cuban regime’s security apparatus and those responsible for repression in Cuba and threats to U.S. national security.
Today’s action also furthers the objectives of the national emergency declared in E.O. 14380, “Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba” and the National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 (NSPM-5), which direct the Executive Branch to improve human rights, encourage the rule of law, foster free markets and free enterprise, and promote democracy in Cuba.
Sanctions Implications
As a result of today’s sanctions-related actions, and in accordance with E.O. 14404 of May 1, 2026, “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to U.S. National Security and Foreign Policy,” all property and interests in property of the designated entity described above that are in the United States or in possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Additionally, all entities that are owned individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions and dealings by U.S. persons or persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt.
These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Foreign persons who engage in transactions with persons designated pursuant to E.O. 14404—or that operate in the:
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- energy,
- defense and
- related materiel,
- metals and
- mining,
- financial services, or
- security +
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sector of the Cuban economy, as identified in E.O. 14404—are themselves at risk of sanctions.
Non-U.S. persons, including foreign financial institutions, should proceed with caution in any dealings with a party sanctioned under this authority. Actions to return assets to a sanctioned party or transfer them to another jurisdiction for potential use by the target could expose non-U.S. persons to significant sanctions risk.
All property and interests in property of persons that are blocked pursuant to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) continue to be blocked. The CACR prohibits persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction from dealing in property in which Cuba or a Cuban national has an interest, unless authorized or exempt.
US sanctions state oil firm in Cuba campaign
Cupet draws latest target as USA continues to turn up heat
Robert Stewart North America Energy Correspondent, 11 June 2026
The US imposed sanctions on Cuba’s state-owned oil company amid an energy-driven pressure campaign against the island, according to an announcement from the State Department. The federal agency said the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will block any business interests or property held in the US by Union Cuba-Petroleo (Cupet), as well as any interests in Cupet held by US citizens.
The State Department accused Cuba’s government of a “weaponised” approach to energy that repressed citizens. The agency claimed Cuba’s leaders profited by reselling oil barrels on the secondary market and hoarding supplies for the military while withholding it from residents, resulting in constant supply shortages.
The US Administration will continue to target Cuba’s ability to leverage energy trade to further its corrupt agenda and repressive security apparatus,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
President Donald Trump has turned up the heat on Cuba since the beginning of the year. He issued an executive order 29 January targeting Cuba via tariffs on any countries that supply oil to the country. The tariffs have led to critical shortages and frequent rolling blackouts in Cuba, Reuters has reported.
Trump also claimed a national emergency in the country and said its government has aligned itself with “numerous hostile countries”. Trump specifically named Russia, China and Iran in that order.
The US also sanctioned 11 Cuban officials in May, including some military leaders, and has blocked shipments of Venezuelan crude to the country. Cuba has been defiant in the face of Trump’s threats.
President Miguel Diaz Canel said in January that Cuba would be “willing to defend the homeland until the last drop of blood”.
U.S. sanctions Cuba’s state oil company amid fuel crisis
June 12, 2026 (Bloomberg)
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Cuba’s state-owned oil and gas company, Unión Cuba-Petróleo (Cupet), that could further complicate fuel supply efforts as the island endures a prolonged energy crisis.
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control added Cupet to its sanctions list . The company plays a central role in the energy sector, overseeing much of Cuba’s oil production, refining operations, fuel distribution network and related infrastructure.
Cuba produces approximately 40,000 bpd of crude oil, 40% of domestic demand and relies on imports for most of its fuel needs. Sanctions could affect efforts to supply fuel to the growing private sector.
Florida-based Vanguard Energy said it was working to export 250,000 bbl of diesel and gasoline intended for private businesses rather than state entities. The new restrictions come amid fuel shortages and electricity supply challenges.
The energy situation is further strained by reduced access to imported crude and refined products. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions target a company that has played a central role in Cuba’s energy system and state-controlled economy. Energy analysts noted that Cupet’s extensive involvement in fuel distribution and infrastructure operations may complicate efforts to separate private-sector fuel transactions from state-controlled energy activities.
Sanctions represent the latest U.S. action affecting Cuba’s energy sector as Washington continues to tighten economic pressure on the government. Cupet remains responsible for much of Cuba’s oil production, refining capacity and fuel distribution network, making it one of the most strategically important energy entities.
Díaz-Canel reveals reforms to liberalize Cuba’s economy amid oil crisis and sanctions
June 12th 2026
President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced a broad package of economic reforms, under the Economic and Social Program for 2026, to confront one of the most severe crises in the island’s recent history, amid pressure from the US government.
“These are times when we have to change,” the president said, without specifying an entry-into-force date or the legal norms that will underpin each measure. The core of the plan is an unprecedented decentralization of the state apparatus.
Municipalities will be able to manage their own foreign-currency income, decide on their companies and economic actors and conduct foreign-trade operations without state intermediation. State enterprises will gain autonomy to design salary systems without caps, reinvest profits, import and export and take part in the foreign-exchange market.
The package authorizes investments by Cubans living abroad on equal terms, opens more sectors to the private sector- small and medium-sized enterprises known as mipymes- and provides for replacing product subsidies with aid for vulnerable people, instead of the ration book.
The reform envisages a reduction of the state apparatus from 27 to 20 ministries, according to a draft law, to cut spending and finance a future salary reform. In tourism and real estate, the government seeks to bring in “new actors” to make use of the infrastructure after withdrawal of major hotel chains, such as Meliá and Iberostar, which left the island over US sanctions.
Amid fuel shortages -in the last five months only one oil ship entered Cuba- the plan promotes the transition to renewable energy and the assembly of electric vehicles.
Díaz-Canel presented the shift as a response of resistance to the US embargo. “The United States cannot forgive that, at this point, with all the maximum pressure they have exerted, the Revolution still exists and the country keeps functioning.”
He warned that the changes will maintain political control: “The enemy is lurking.”
Washington restricted the flow of crude to the island, limited its access to international banking , with the exit of operators such as Visa and Mastercard and tightened sanctions against the military conglomerate GAESA, which controls much of the economy, and against the political leadership, including Díaz-Canel and former president Raúl Castro.
Trump spoke of a “friendly takeover” ….
“We have spoken with them and told them what they need to do to recover their economy,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in early June.
Cuba reveals historic free-market reforms
LNG Prime Staff June 17, 2026
Cuba approved a sweeping package of economic reforms aimed at opening its struggling economy and attracting foreign investment, in one of the most significant policy shifts in recent history. Facing its worst economic crisis in decades, Cuba is grappling with widespread shortages of food, fuel and medicine as well as frequent blackouts.
Colombia:
ECOnnect bags Colombian LNG contract
Norway-based ECOnnect will deliver its jettyless LNG transfer system for Puerto Bahia’s
fast-tracked import terminal in Cartagena Bay, Colombia.
Colombia:
NG Energy well results at Maria Conchita
31 May 2026
Aruchara-5 successfully drilled to a total depth of 9,097 feet, hitting the H1 target as designed and passing through the H2, H3, H4, H5 and H6 zones, with all zones showing positive results of gas at the surface and through wireline logs.
Aruchara-5 has been completed and connected to the central processing facility and an evaluation of well performance is underway through the CPF with new gas volumes being sold into the Colombian marketplace.
Initial production from the H1 target has come up to 11.0 MMcf/d gross (8.8 MMcf/d net) with a THP of 1600 psi with a choke of 32/64.
Total field production at Maria Conchita increased to 18 MMcf/d gross (14.4 MMcf/d net) following the addition of Aruchara-5, bringing combined Company net production across both Maria Conchita and Sinu-9 to approximately 23.2 MMcf/d.
The work program at Maria Conchita through year-end includes a well intervention at Aruchara-3, a workover at Aruchara-1, and planning of the Aruchara-6 development well
NG Energy International announced results from the drilling of the Aruchara-5 well at the Maria Conchita Block (80% working interest) and subsequent work program at Maria Conchita for the remainder of 2026.
Aruchara-5 Well Drilling Results
The Aruchara-5 well has been successfully drilled to a total depth of 9,097 feet, hitting the H1 target as designed and passing through the H2, H3, H4, H5 and H6 zones, with all zones showing positive results of gas at the surface and through wireline logs. Aruchara-5 has been completed and connected to the central processing facility at Maria Conchita (the ‘CPF’) and an evaluation of well performance is underway through the CPF, with new gas volumes being sold into the Colombian market.
Initial production from Aruchara-5 has delivered rates of 11 MMcf/d gross (8.8 MMcf/d net) at a wellhead pressure of 1,600 psi across the H1 zone. The addition of Aruchara-5 has brought total field production at Maria Conchita to 18 MMcf/d gross (14.4 MMcf/d net). Combined with average gross daily production of 22.5 MMcf/d (8.8 MMcf/d net) at Sinú-9 since Hechicero-1X was brought online, total Company net production is approximately 23.2 MMcf/d.
The Company’s contracted offtake agreements at Maria Conchita cover volumes up to 15 MMcf/d gross, with all incremental volumes above this threshold being sold into the Colombian spot market at approximately US$11.50/Mcf.
At Sinú-9, the Company maintains contracted offtake agreements up to 25 MMcf/d gross, with all incremental volumes above this threshold expected to be sold into the Colombian spot market at approximately US$13.00/Mcf. Both fields benefit from a structurally premium Colombian natural gas pricing environment, with spot pricing upside expected to increase as combined Company production scales through the remainder of 2026.
Maria Conchita 2026 Work Program
With Aruchara-5 now connected and producing, the Company is advancing a comprehensive work program at Maria Conchita through the remainder of 2026, which is designed to optimize production across the field and sustain capacity growth:
Aruchara-3 – Well Intervention: a sand cleanup operation is planned to optimize and increase production rates from Aruchara-3, while also advancing the Company’s understanding of the H4 zone.
Aruchara-1 – Workover: a workover is planned at Aruchara-1, incorporating sand management to restore and increase production while testing new zones.
Aruchara-6 – New Well: following the results of Aruchara-5, the Company plans to drill Aruchara-6 as the next development well at Maria Conchita, with spudding targeted in Q3 2026.
The Maria Conchita Block benefits from infrastructure supporting up to 30 MMcf/d gross (24 MMcf/d net) of processing and transportation capacity, providing the runway to monetize production growth from the ongoing work program.
Brian Paes-Braga, Executive Chairman, commented: ‘Aruchara-5 has confirmed productive gas across all six zones from H1 through H6 and is now connected and selling into the market – we are already seeing the commercial benefit of this program.
Combined with Sinú-9 averaging 22.5 MMcf/d since Hechicero-1X was brought online, total Company net production has reached approximately 23.2 MMcf/d, with pace of growth increasing into the second half of this year as Maurel & Prom advances the six-well campaign at Sinú-9 and we execute our expanding work program at Maria Conchita. +
With Aruchara-6 on the horizon and a fully funded program in place through year-end, NGE has never had a more active operational program than it does today.’
Source: NG Energy
Frontera seals Colombian FSRU charter deal
LNG Prime Staff June 1, 2026
A unit of Canadian firm Frontera Energy entered into a deal with a US-based FSRU player to charter one floating storage and regasification unit which will be installed in Cartagena, Colombia. The company also entered into a take-or-pay agreement with Colombia’s state-owned energy firm Ecopetrol to provide integrated logistics and LNG regasification services.
Parex closes $500 million Frontera E&P acquisition in Colombia
June 01, 2026 (WO) —
Parex Resources completed its acquisition of the Colombian exploration and production assets of Frontera Energy, establishing the company as the largest independent oil and gas producer focused on Colombia.
The transaction adds approximately 37,000 boed of production and expands Parex’s acreage position to over 7.9 million acres, significantly increasing the company’s scale and reserve base across the country. Parex said the acquisition supports its previously announced second-half 2026 production guidance of 82,000 to 91,000 boed and provides additional opportunities to improve operational performance through enhanced oil recovery, horizontal and multilateral drilling and advanced seismic imaging technologies. Imad Mohsen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parex Resources, said,
“This is a significant milestone for Parex and marks the successful completion of a highly strategic transaction. The addition of Frontera E&P’s upstream business to our high-quality portfolio establishes Parex as the largest independent, Colombia-focused upstream company, with greater scale, enhanced capital efficiency, and a more resilient platform for long-term growth.”
The acquisition includes a portfolio of producing assets that Parex said are characterized by low decline rates and strong cash flow generation. The company also expects to capture operational synergies through portfolio integration and optimization. Daniel Ferreiro, President and Country Manager, said,
“We are approaching this integration with a clear focus on safety, operational continuity and people. The experience and expertise of the employees joining Parex, together with the strength of our existing team, will be instrumental in realizing the full value of this transaction.”
Parex said the transaction strengthens its position in Colombia’s upstream sector while providing additional flexibility to allocate capital across a larger portfolio of development and exploration opportunities.
Colombia:
Arrow Exploration well IC-2 results
17 June 2026
Arrow Exploration, the high-growth operator with a portfolio of assets across key Colombian hydrocarbon basins, provided an update on operational activity at the Icaco field on the Tapir Block in the Llanos Basin of Colombia where Arrow holds a 50 percent beneficial interest.
Icaco-2 Well
The Icaco 2 exploration well (IC-2) was spud May 18, 2026, and reached target depth on May 26, 2026. The IC-2 well was drilled, on time and under budget, to a total measured depth of 12,020 MD feet (Measured Depth), or 7,399 TVD feet (True Vertical Depth) and encountered multiple hydrocarbon-bearing intervals.
Log analysis shows 19.5 feet of net pay in the Carbonera C7 formation, 6 feet of net pay in the Gacheta formation and 74.5 feet of net pay in the Ubaque formation, for a total net pay of 100 feet TVD (True Vertical Depth).
The well is currently producing from the Ubaque formation, at a restricted rate, 35/128 choke and 37 Hz pump frequency, of approximately 830 BOPD gross (415 BOPD net). The oil quality is 13.4° API and there is a 1% water cut. The ultimate flow rate will be determined in the first few weeks of production. Initial production results are not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery.
Forward Drilling Plans The IC-4HZ well targeting the Ubaque was spud on June 13. Afterwards, the rig will move to drill the IC-3 vertical well targeting which has C7, Gacheta and Ubaque potential. The Company is constructing five additional cellars at the Icaco pad for a total of 7 additional cellars after IC-4HZ.
Production Including the restricted production from the IC-2 well, total gross corporate production is approximately 5,000 boe/d. Currently the CN-HZ12 well is offline awaiting a workover. The well was producing approximately 330 BOPD gross (165 BOPD net) when it was shut in.
Arrow continued to shut in the Pepper gas field due to low natural gas prices in Alberta, which was producing approximately 130 boe/d when it was shut in. The Company believes that AECO gas prices will improve in the third and fourth quarter of 2026 once the region moves into winter when Pepper field is expected to be brought back on production.
Prices: During May 2026, Arrow oil field realized prices averaged approximately $97.48 US/barrel, which reflects the increase in Brent oil prices experienced by unrest in the Middle East. Field prices reflect the deduction of the Vasconia differential and logistics fees (mostly transportation and quality differential).
Cash Balance: As of June 2, 2026, the Company’s estimated cash balance is US$26.7 million.
The Company continues to have no debt.
Tapir Extension
Arrow and its partner in the Tapir block recently had encouraging meetings with authorities on the extension of the Tapir block. To date the dialog has been very constructive. Arrow believes that all conditions required for the extension to be granted have been met and management remains very confident that the extension will be granted.
The Company will continue to update the market on developments as they occur. It is expected the next President of Colombia will be chosen on June 21, 2026.
Marshall Abbott, CEO of Arrow commented:
‘The success of the Icaco-2 well indicates that the Icaco discovery may be material to Arrow. Future projects at Icaco are expected to include both horizontal and vertical development wells. The drilling results at Icaco so far have demonstrated four potential hydrocarbon bearing zones. This underlies the significant hydrocarbon density that exists in the Llanos basin and more exclusively in the Tapir Block.’
‘Arrow has spud its first horizontal well in the Ubaque Formation at the Icaco pad. Integrating multidimensional technical data supports significant flow potential in Icaco Ubaque wells. Strong netbacks and successful horizontal wells support payout occurring in months.
This adds significant value and materially improves our positive balance sheet. We look forward to updating our shareholders on the progress at Icaco over the coming months.’
Source: Arrow Exploration
Colombian President-Elect De La Espriella
June 21, 2026
Secretary Rubio spoke to President-Elect Abelardo De La Espriella of Colombia to congratulate him on his electoral victory. This result reflects the will of the Colombian people and their commitment to democracy. The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with his incoming administration to advance our bilateral and regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States and strengthen the economic ties between our countries. Through our close bilateral cooperation, and under the leadership of President-Elect De La Espriella, Colombia’s best days are ahead.
IMF
Costa Rica: Report for the 2026 Article IV Consultation and Review under the Flexible Credit Line Arrangement-Press Release;
Staff Report; Informational Annex; and Statement by the Executive Director for Costa Rica
June 1, 2026
Summary
- Costa Rica continues to weather well the effects of external shocks and new uncertainties linked to the Middle East war.
- The authorities have been proactive in accumulating buffers which will provide important insurance in the event of a more adverse-than-expected external environment.
- The medium-term outlook for the country remains favorable.
Subject:
Expenditure, Exports, Inflation, International trade, Oil prices, Prices
Keywords:
Exports, Inflation, Oil prices
‘Here to stay’: Middle East upstream investment set to weather recent challenges
Close to $100 billion worth of greenfield projects are in the pipeline in the Middle East, while repair bills are already nearing $50 billion
Nishant Ugal Middle East and South Asia Editor, New Delhi, 18 June 2026
The Middle East’s low cost production and abundant resources will ensure that the region will continue to attract long-term investment, specifically in greenfield projects, facility repairs and new pipeline export routes, top industry executives told an Upstream event
Qatar gas export terminal blast kills 13 ,injures 66.
The Associated Press June 22, 2026
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
An explosion in Qatar’s key natural gas export terminal as workers tried to resume operations after Iran bombed it, caused a fire that killed at least 13 people and injured 66.
The blast at the Ras Laffan industrial area could cause further chaos in global energy markets, as Qatar remains one of the world’s top natural gas producers. Qatar shut its production after Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz prevented shipments out to clients.
As negotiations continue over a permanent end to the war, Qatar began work to restart its export terminal. That sparked the explosion and fire at the Barzan gas supply facility . Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said,
“I would like to emphasize that this was an accident and not sabotage or hostile in nature.”
The minister said the dead came from India and Pakistan. The 66 injured include people from Qatar, Africans and Asians. The scale of the damage remains unknown.The Barzan plant had a capacity of almost 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day, which Qatar used primarily for local electricity generation and to power its crucial water desalination plants in deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Qatar owns most of the plant, with a small share held by ExxonMobil which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In March, an Iranian missile hit Ras Laffan, sparking a fire that caused “extensive” damage before it was extinguished. Qatar had already halted production there because of Iranian attacks. Qatar shares its massive offshore natural gas field in the Persian Gulf with Iran.
Qatar used wealth to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, create the Al Jazeera news network and fund international mediation, including peace talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States.
QatarEnergy LNG
Established in 1984 to operate the Qatar LNG ventures from which LNG is exported around the globe. Currently operating 14 LNG trains with a total annual production capacity of 77 MTPA. When complete, the North Field East (NFE) and North Field South (NFS) expansion projects will increase the State of Qatar’s LNG total liquefaction capacity via six new LNG mega trains from 77 MTPA to 126 MTPA, enhancing Qatar’s position as the largest LNG producer in the world.
In addition to LNG, the NFE and NFS expansions will also significantly increase production of condensate, LPG, helium and sulphur. Total incremental production, including LNG and associated products, is equivalent to 2 Mboepd.
QatarEnergy LNG N(1)
Established in 1984 to produce LNG and related products from its three trains, Trains 1, 2 and 3, each with a production capacity of 3.3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Shareholder: QatarEnergy (100%).
QatarEnergy LNG N(2)
Established in 2004 to produce LNG and related products from its two mega trains, Trains 4 and 5, each with a production capacity of 7.8 MTPA. Shareholders in Train 4: QatarEnergy (70%) and ExxonMobil (30%). Shareholders in Train 5: QatarEnergy (65%), ExxonMobil (18.3%) and TotalEnergies (16.7%).
QatarEnergy LNG N(3)
Established in 2005 to produce LNG and related products from its mega train, Train 6, with a production capacity of 7.8 MTPA. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (68.5%), ConocoPhillips (30%) and Mitsui (1.5%).
QatarEnergy LNG N(4)
Established in 2007 to produce LNG and related products from its mega train, Train 7, with a production capacity of 7.8 MTPA. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (70%) and Shell (30%).
QatarEnergy LNG S(1)
Established in 1993 to produce LNG and related products from two trains, Trains 1 and 2, each with a production capacity of 3.3 MTPA. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (63%), ExxonMobil (25%), Korea Ras Laffan LNG Limited (5%), Itochu Corporation (4%) and LNG Japan Corporation (3%).
QatarEnergy LNG S(2)
Established in 2001 to produce LNG and related products, QatarEnergy LNG S(2) owns Trains 3, 4 and 5, each with a production capacity of 4.7 MTPA. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (67%), ExxonMobil (31%) and OPIC Middle East Natural Gas Corporation (2%).
QatarEnergy LNG S(3)
Established in 2005 to produce LNG and related products, it owns Trains 6 and 7, each with a production capacity of 8 MTPA. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (70%) and ExxonMobil (30%).
QatarEnergy LNG NFE(1)
Joint Venture established in 2022. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and TotalEnergies (25%). Venture has 25% of 32 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFE(2)
Joint Venture established in 2022. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and Shell (25%). Venture has 25% of 32 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFE(3)
Joint Venture established in 2022. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and ExxonMobil (25%). Venture has 25% of 32 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFE(4)
Joint Venture established in 2022. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and ConocoPhillips (25%). Venture has 12.5% of 32 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFE(5)
Joint Venture established in 2022. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and ENI (25%). Venture has 12.5% of 32- MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
These ventures are entitled to a share of the total production of the 4 new NFE trains which, when complete, will increase total LNG production capacity by 32 MTPA (42%) via four new LNG mega trains.
QatarEnergy LNG NFS(1)
Joint Venture established in 2023. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and TotalEnergies (25%). Venture has 37.5% of 16 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFS(2)
Joint Venture established in 2023. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and Shell (25%). Venture has 37.5% of 16 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
QatarEnergy LNG NFS(3)
Joint Venture established in 2023. Shareholders: QatarEnergy (75%) and ConocoPhillips (25%). Venture has 25% of 16 MTPA production entitlement and is currently under construction.
These ventures are entitled to a share of the total production of the 2 NFS trains which will deliver an additional 16 MTPA of LNG production capacity.
Laffan Refinery Company Limited (LR)
Established in 2006 to build and own a refinery in Ras Laffan for the operation of refinery facilities and the production, sale and marketing of refined products. Laffan Refinery’s total processing capacity is 306,600 barrels per stream day (bpsd) following the merger between LR1 and LR2 on 1st February 2023. Shareholders are: QatarEnergy (72%), ExxonMobil (10%), TotalEnergies (10%), Cosmo Oil (5.5%), Mitsui (2.5%).
Ras Laffan Helium
Established in 2003, Ras Laffan Helium 1, has a production capacity of approximately 9.2 tonnes per day of pure helium. Production began in August 2005 and develops resources on behalf of the owners in the QatarEnergy LNG S(1), QatarEnergy LNG S(2), and QatarEnergy LNG N(1) gas streams. Ras Laffan Helium 2 began production in 2013 and has a production capacity of approximately 17.3 tonnes per day of pure helium; owners QatarEnergy LNG N(2), QatarEnergy LNG N(3), QatarEnergy LNG N(4) and QatarEnergy LNG S(3). Helium 3 is 100% owned by Barzan Gas.
Barzan Gas
Commissioned in 2022, The Barzan facility supplies pipeline gas to local industries and the power generation sector in the State of Qatar. It produces associated hydrocarbon products for supply to local refinery and petrochemical industries and for export to international markets. The facility is capable of providing 1.4 bscfd of sales gas to local power generation and water desalination plants and local industries. Barzan has the production capacity to supply ethane, condensate, LPG and sulphur to local markets and for export.
Pax Silica
Fact Sheet June 26, 2026
Launched by Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg in December 2025, Pax Silica is the Department of State’s flagship effort on artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security.
The initiative aims to build new economic security consensus among allies and trusted partners to advance secure, prosperous, and innovative supply chains spanning critical minerals, energy inputs, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and technology infrastructure.
2026 Pax Silica Summit Deliverables
Signing of Joint Statement on AI Opportunity
The United States and close to three dozen Pax Silica economies signed a Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, further aligning them on a pro-growth, pro-innovation regulatory approach to AI.
The Joint Statement focused on empowering builders, startups, developers, and the private sector while securing global AI supply chains.
The following countries have signed the AI Opportunity Statement so far:
Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States.
Read the full text of the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity Partnership here.
New Pax Silica Signatories
As a result of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, ten additional partners have signed the Pax Silica Declaration, joining the initiative. The new signatories are:
Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Union, Germany, Greece, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, and Panama.
Pax Silica now counts 24 signatories, with the above partners joining
Australia, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, Norway, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Taiwan has endorsed the Pax Silica declaration principles via the Joint Statement on the Pax Silica Declaration and U.S.-Taiwan Economic Security Cooperation.
Pax Silica is a positive-sum partnership of nations who seek to remain competitive and prosperous.
Announcement of Pilot Pax Silica AI Assistance Project in Panama
The Department of State is planning to announce a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity for a new Pax Silica Artificial Intelligence Assistance Project for Panama, and Pax Silica partners that ship high-value AI supply chain products through Panama.
Through this project, the Department seeks to strengthen global AI supply chain security by developing an AI supply chain credentialing and provenance platform that expedites the shipping of semiconductors, AI infrastructure, critical minerals, and related products.
The new platform is envisioned to integrate with existing customs, port operator, and shipper tracking platforms to accelerate logistics and customs for vetted shipments. The project would begin as a pilot with Panama by implementing the platform with Panama’s ports and customs authorities. If the pilot with Panama is successful, the Department would seek to commence the second phase of the project, expanding the geographic reach to other Pax Silica countries and economies.
United States and Stanford University Launch Foundry School Initiative
On the final day of the 2026 Pax Silica Summit, Under Secretary Helberg unveiled a new workforce development initiative created in partnership with Stanford University.
Foundry School will kick off with a seminar series at Stanford, gathering founders and CEOs in advanced manufacturing to teach the principles behind the world’s most successful industrial enterprises. This series will be paired with a first-of-its-kind advanced manufacturing curriculum, jointly developed by Stanford and the State Department, that educational institutions across Pax Silica economies can adopt and deliver in their own classrooms.
Advanced manufacturing is not yet well-established as a standalone field of study, despite its vital importance for national power. Foundry School’s curriculum will give the next generation of technologists, policymakers, and industrial leaders in the United States and like-minded nations a common framework for the industrial capabilities that underwrite both economic strength and national security.
Critical minerals processing plants are coming to military bases around the U.S.
Essential minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, PGMs, rare earths, and minor metals. are crucial for advancing low carbon and future technologies, backed by policies promoting sustainable mining and innovation.
This strategy emphasizes the significance of these minerals in paving the way toward a sustainable and energy-secure future. Critical minerals are fundamental to Central America’s transition to sustainable energy.
Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) are a family of six exceptionally rare, durable, and corrosion-resistant noble metals: [platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium ]. Prized for their superior catalytic properties, they are primarily used in automotive catalytic converters, green hydrogen production, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.