Qatar's domestic natural gas plant malfunction explosion leads to 18 people missing.

Qatar has stated that during the launch of the Ras Laffan Industrial Zone, an explosion occurred, injuring dozens of people, highlighting the risks faced by Middle Eastern energy facilities during the accelerated production process after the US-Iran ceasefire. According to the operator Qatar Energy Company, an explosion occurred at the local gas supply facility in Bazan on Sunday, causing a fire. Qatar's Interior Ministry stated in a online statement that the explosion resulted in 54 injuries, with 18 people missing. The Bazan gas plant provides fuel for domestic industry and electricity production, and it is not yet clear if the production of liquefied natural gas will be affected. Qatar, the former second largest exporter of liquefied natural gas before the war, had suspended production of ultra-low temperature fuel due to attacks on its large facilities and the closure of the Hormuz Strait at the start of the US-Iran conflict. Qatar is seeking to restart the Ras Laffan LNG export plant, the world's largest. The market is closely watching the resumption of production at the plant, as a quick recovery could help alleviate global energy price pressures. Due to the tensions between the US and Iran, the international benchmark Dutch natural gas price rose in early trading on Monday. Qatar plans to resume 80% of production at Ras Laffan within two months after the safe reopening of the Hormuz Strait.