Why in News?

• Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, triggering retaliation threats by Iran targeting key Gulf energy infrastructure.

Key Developments

• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued evacuation warnings for major energy hubs:
  • Al-Hosn Gas Field (UAE)
  • Ras Laffan (Qatar)
  • Al-Jubail (Saudi Arabia)
  • Mesaieed (Qatar)
  • Samref Refinery (Saudi Arabia)
• Indicates possible escalation targeting critical global energy supply chains

South Pars / North Dome Gas Field

• Located in the Persian Gulf, shared by Iran and Qatar
• World’s largest natural gas field (~1,800 trillion cubic feet)
• Known as:
  • South Pars (Iran)
  • North Field (Qatar)
• Provides ~80% of Iran’s domestic gas supply
• Backbone of both countries’ energy economies

Ras Laffan Industrial City (Qatar)

• Located on Qatar’s northeastern coast
• Main hub for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) processing and export
• Dependent on gas from North Field
• Critical for global LNG supply, especially to Europe and Asia

Habshan Gas Complex & Bab Oil Field (UAE)

• Located in Abu Dhabi (inland region)
• Habshan Gas Complex:
  • One of the world’s largest gas processing facilities
  • Key for UAE’s domestic energy and exports
• Bab Oil Field:
  • Major onshore oil-producing field

Geopolitical & Economic Implications

• Threat to global energy security and supply chains
• Potential spike in oil and gas prices
• Risk to Gulf infrastructure stability
• Impact on energy-importing countries like India
• Highlights vulnerability of chokepoints and energy hubs in West Asia

Conclusion

• The conflict underscores the strategic importance of Gulf energy infrastructure
• Escalation could disrupt global markets, making energy security a critical geopolitical concern

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Q1. With reference to the South Pars/North Dome Gas Field, consider the following statements:

1. It is located in the Persian Gulf and shared between Iran and Qatar.
2. It is the largest natural gas field in the world.
3. It provides the majority of Qatar’s crude oil production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following pairs:

Energy Infrastructure	Country
1. Ras Laffan Industrial City	Qatar
2. Habshan Gas Complex	Saudi Arabia
3. Al-Jubail Petrochemical Complex	Saudi Arabia

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to global energy security, consider the following statements:

1. Ras Laffan Industrial City is a major hub for liquefied natural gas exports.
2. The Bab Oil Field is located in Qatar.
3. Disruptions in Gulf energy infrastructure can affect global energy prices.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer Key

• Q1: (a) 1 and 2 only
• Q2: (a) 1 and 3 only
• Q3: (a) 1 and 3 only