LNG Stocks Surge After Qatar Facility Attack

A missile strike on a major natural gas hub in Qatar has triggered sharp moves in liquefied natural gas (LNG) markets and related equities. The facility, which accounts for about one-fifth of global LNG supply, suffered what the state-run energy firm described as "extensive damage." Economists estimate the attack could lead to as much as $20 billion in annual lost revenue.

Even if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East ease, economists cited in the reports expect LNG prices to remain elevated, noting that repairs to the Qatari hub could take five years. The disruption has intensified concerns over global LNG supply at a time when natural gas prices were already being supported by regional conflict and supply uncertainty.

Against this backdrop, investors have moved aggressively into LNG-related equities. NextDecade Corp. and Golar LNG Limited were both identified among "10 Stocks Gaining Momentum Fast," as market participants sought companies viewed as potential beneficiaries of tighter LNG supply and higher prices.

The shift reflects what the articles described as strong investor appetite for energy companies expected to benefit from supply disruptions and rising natural gas prices. The ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has added to the perception of heightened risk in Middle Eastern energy infrastructure, further supporting LNG price expectations.

NextDecade Corp. (NASDAQ:NEXT), a US-based LNG producer, saw its share price rise 27% week-on-week. The rally came as sentiment toward the stock improved on expectations that industries will look for alternative LNG suppliers outside the disrupted Qatari hub, potentially supporting higher profit margins for producers such as NextDecade.

NextDecade owns the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, which is currently under development. The facility is targeted to produce 30 million tons per annum of LNG for sale to global customers. The recent price move in the stock was framed within a broader investor response to the Middle East tensions and the structural supply shock from the missile strike.

Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) climbed 22.6% over the week as investors "piled funds" into energy stocks. The stock moved higher in tandem with other LNG names amid expectations that persistent supply disruptions and higher natural gas prices would support the sector.

The company also reported stronger full-year financial results. Net income attributable to shareholders rose 29% year-on-year to $65.68 million from $50.84 million in 2024. Total operating revenues increased 51% to $393.5 million from $260.37 million, providing an additional fundamental backdrop for the share price gains.

In the fourth quarter, however, Golar's net income attributable to shareholders fell 67% to $10.36 million from $31.48 million a year earlier, even as total operating revenues grew 8.4% to $132.8 million from $122.5 million. The contrasting full-year and quarterly figures highlight the mixed recent earnings picture alongside the sudden geopolitical boost to LNG valuations.