Qatar to increase gas production amid rift with Saudis

Qatar announced Wednesday plans to boost natural gas production for the second time since a Persian Gulf diplomatic crisis erupted last year pitting the energy-rich emirate against a rival Saudi-led bloc.

The head of state-owned Qatar Petroleum, Saad al-Kaabi, told a press conference that the country intends to raise production by a further 10 percent by 2024, to 110 million tons per year.

It follows the promise of a 30 percent boost last year.

"This new capacity will further strengthen our leading position as the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer and exporter," said Kaabi.

"The production increase will also contribute to Qatar's economic growth and stimulating the economy as well as the country's overall development."

Shortly after Saudi Arabia and its allies severed ties with Doha in 2017, Qatar Petroleum said it planned to increase production from its giant offshore North Field by 30 percent, from 77 to 100 million tons a year.

Doha shares the North Field with Iran.

SS