Ras Laffan and South Pars Gas Field

19th Mar 2026

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Why in News?

Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia saw attacks on South Pars gas field (Iran) and Ras Laffan LNG hub (Qatar), raising concerns over global energy supply and prices.

About Ras Laffan

LNG Export Hub (Not a Gas Field)

Located in Qatar
World's largest LNG processing and export facility

Global Energy Significance

Accounts for ~20% of global LNG supply
Operated mainly by QatarEnergy

Critical for India

Qatar is India's largest single source of LNG
India imports ~41.4% of its LNG from Qatar (11.2 MT out of 27 MT in 2024-25)
Almost all Qatar LNG to India originates from Ras Laffan
Disruptions directly impact energy security, industrial output, and domestic gas prices

About South Pars

World's Largest Gas Field

Located in the Persian Gulf
Shared between Iran (South Pars) and Qatar (North Field/North Dome)

Backbone of Iran's Energy Sector

Supplies majority of Iran's natural gas production
Developed in multiple phases

Strategic & Geopolitical Importance

Central to global gas supply stability
Vulnerable to conflicts and sanctions

Other Important Gas Fields

North Field / North Dome (Qatar): World's largest single natural gas reservoir; feeds Ras Laffan LNG.
Galkynysh (Turkmenistan): World's 2nd largest gas field; largest reserve in Central Asia.
Urengoy (Russia - Siberia): One of world's largest gas fields; major historical supplier to Europe.
Yamal (Russia - Arctic): Key source for Yamal LNG project; Russia's major Arctic energy initiative.
Zohr (Egypt - Mediterranean): Largest gas discovery in the Mediterranean Sea; operated by ENI.
Krishna-Godavari Basin (India): India's largest offshore gas basin; KG-D6 block operated by Reliance.
Rovuma Basin (Mozambique): Emerging East African LNG hub; major investment by TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil.