Ukraine often known as the “Breadbasket of Europe” but also of Russia. It is rich in oil, gas, coal, and other mineral resources and also in agricultural foods. Sanctions will come at a high cost to Europe, UK and inflation is already moving upwards and there are comparisons being made to the crazy inflation of the 1970’s, something we never wish to happen again. Qatar is the second largest producer of liquified natural gas but its major market is Asia

OSLO, Jan 31 (Reuters) Norway’s Hammerfest LNG plant faces a further delay to restarting production after a fire in 2020, operator Equinor said on Monday, delivering a fresh blow to hopes of securing more gas for Europe to help reduce surging prices. The date is no longer March but May for a decision.

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Qatar’s energy diplomacy. With European countries like Germany worried about being cut off from Russian natural gas if Putin invades Ukraine, the emir of Qatar will arrive at the White House on Monday to offer a possible safety net. NATO has warned that Europe, which relies on Russia for a third of its gas supplies, needs to diversify its energy sources, fast. Washington agrees. That’s why the meeting, the first one-on-one between Joe Biden and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will focus on rerouting energy shipments to Europe. Qatar is the world’s second-largest producer of liquified natural gas, but is already pumping at full capacity, mostly to Asia. Still, the Qataris are looking for a solution because that’ll allow them to punch even more above their tiny country’s weight in global geopolitics. Beyond gas, Biden and al-Thani will also discuss the Iran nuclear talks and especially Afghanistan, where Doha is a big diplomatic player.