US-QATAR business council

Oil was first discovered in Qatar in 1940, and Qatar began exporting through Mesaieed port on the East Coast starting in 1949. Soon after independence in 1971, Qatar Petroleum was created to manage Qatar’s oil production and exports. Also in 1971 the North Field was created – the world’s largest deposit of non-associated natural gas. The government developed a plan for utilizing this natural resource, centered around the construction of the Ras Laffan industrial city. In 1996 exports of liquefied natural gas began from Ras Laffan. Qatar exports natural gas through pipelines, as well, to other Gulf countries, Turkey, and Pakistan. Qatar also retains a significant portion of its natural gas for domestic consumption, as feedstock for the growing petrochemical and fertilizer sectors and to produce low-cost electricity.

Oil production: 1.111 million barrels per day (2005)
Oil exports: 960,000 barrels per day (2005)
Natural gas production: 43.93 billion cubic meters
Natural gas exports: 25.99 billion cubic meteres

Energy Resources in Qatar

Oil, Gas & Petrochemicals

U.S. Department of Energy's Country Report

The Center for Liquefied Natural Gas