Escalating hostilities in the Middle East have grounded flights across West Asia, stranding many Indians in Qatar on short-term visits. The Indian Embassy acted decisively, launching an advisory with a registration link for those impacted since February 28, 2026.
Aimed at tourist and short-term Hayya A1 visa holders who are not Qatar residents, the X post stresses: ‘Provide your details here to help us assess the scale of those affected.’ This intelligence is vital for mounting effective evacuations amid attack threats and airspace closures.
On the economic front, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Al-Kaabi issued a stark warning in a Financial Times interview. He cautioned that Gulf energy giants may declare force majeure if conflicts drag on, legally shielding them from delivery failures caused by war or disasters.
Disrupted tanker traffic through straits could spike crude to $150 per barrel and gas to $40/MMBtu within weeks, he forecasted. Markets are already reeling: Brent crude soared 20% this week above $89/barrel (up 3% Friday), WTI up 25% to $86—peaks unseen since spring 2024.
Qatar itself pulled the force majeure trigger after drones hit its pivotal Ras Laffan LNG plant, the largest of its kind. Ongoing assessments signal prolonged supply risks from the top LNG exporter.
With bilateral efforts underway, the Indian government vows comprehensive support. Stranded Indians should register immediately and prioritize safety as geopolitical tensions threaten broader fallout.