Dozens of Indians are marooned in Qatar after flights were scrapped amid US-Israel-Iran flashpoints roiling West Asia. Short-term visa holders, especially tourists on Hayya A1 permits, face extended stays, prompting the Indian Embassy to seek registrations via an online form shared on X.
The appeal targets non-residents stuck from February 28 to March 7, 2026, to compile accurate counts for aid and extraction plans. ‘Register now for precise tracking,’ the post urged, highlighting the embassy’s commitment amid regional instability.
Energy markets face existential threats, per Qatar’s Minister Saad Al-Kaabi. Speaking to the Financial Times, he warned of imminent force majeure by Gulf producers if hostilities persist, freeing them from supply duties hit by force majeure events like warfare.
Blocked straits could catapult oil prices to $150/barrel and LNG to $40/MMBtu in 2-3 weeks. Volatility is rampant: Brent futures gained 20% weekly, trading over $89 (up 3% Friday); WTI leaped 25% to $86, revisiting April 2024 highs.
Already, Qatar declared force majeure post-Iranian drone damage to Ras Laffan, its premier LNG hub. Repair timelines remain unclear, intensifying supply fears.
India is partnering with Doha for citizen safety, advising all to stay informed. The dual crisis of human displacement and energy peril demands global vigilance.