safety
Qatar says gas export terminal blast killed 13 as workers tried to resume operations
By Jon Gambrell, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
An explosion tore through Qatar's key natural gas export terminal Sunday night as workers tried to resume operations after Iran bombed it during the war, causing a fire that killed at least 13 people and hurt 66 others.The blast at the Ras Laffan industrial area could cause further chaos in globa...
Key takeaway “I would like to emphasize that this was an accident and not sabotage or hostile in nature," Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi told a news conference Monday afternoon in Doha, Qatar’s capital.
Why this matters in Sugar Land News
The explosion at Qatar's natural gas export terminal has significant implications for the global energy market, and by extension, the Houston area. As a major hub for the energy industry, Houston is home to many companies, including ExxonMobil, which has a stake in the Barzan plant. The damage to the plant and the resulting disruption to Qatar's natural gas exports could lead to increased volatility in the energy market, potentially affecting the operations of these companies. Furthermore, the Houston Ship Channel, a critical transportation route for oil and gas, could see an impact on shipping volumes and prices. The incident also highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with Qatar's role as a mediator in talks between Iran and the US being closely watched by the international community, including observers in the Houston area's sizable international business community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? An explosion tore through Qatar's key natural gas export terminal Sunday night as workers tried to resume operations after Iran bombed it during the war, causing a fire that killed at least 13 people and hurt 66 others.The blast at the Ras Laffan industrial area could cause further chaos in globa...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jon Gambrell, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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