State-owned Qatar Energy (QE) is moving aggressively to secure long-term contracts to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to buyers throughout Asia as it plows ahead with a plan to significantly boost its output and preserve its leading role in a growing global market. 

Over the last year, Qatar has signed at least 10 long-term sales and purchase agreements, committing to supply 17.8 million metric tons/year (mmty) of LNG for 10-20 years. Five contracts for 8.5 mmty were signed with China, while another five contracts for 9.3 mmty were inked with Bangladesh, Pakistan, Taiwan, Singapore and South Korea.  The deals appear to be part of a broader strategy. 

“There has been a lot of conjecture about Qatari strategy…They have a lot of product coming on in the next few years and...