Polish energy concern Orlen announced the early termination of one of two long-term contracts with QatarEnergy for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The reason was prolonged supply disruptions due to force majeure circumstances that do not allow the supplier to fulfill contractual obligations.

This is stated in Orlen's official stock exchange announcement, released on the evening of November 10.

The contract provided for the annual supply of one million tons of LNG, which corresponds to approximately 15.3 TWh of energy. The estimated value of supplies under this agreement in 2026 was 570 million euros, or about 2.5 billion zlotys.

The contract was to run until 2034, but Orlen exercised the right provided for in the contract to terminate it early. At the same time, legally the agreement will remain in force for another 60 days after the notice of termination.

The contract was concluded on June 29, 2009 by the Polish gas company PGNiG, which later became part of Orlen. Actual supplies of Qatari gas under this agreement began in 2016.

A special feature of the contract was the gas price calculation formula tied to oil quotations. It is this agreement that is now subject to termination.

Will the decision affect gas supplies to Poland

Orlen emphasized that the decision concerns only one of the two long-term contracts with QatarEnergy.

The second agreement, which also runs until 2034, remains in force. It provides for the supply of up to one million tons of LNG per year, but uses a different price formula - based on natural gas quotations.

The company assured that the early termination of the first contract does not threaten the stability of gas supplies. According to Orlen, its own natural gas production and other long-term agreements fully cover the group's needs.

The Polish concern did not report the need for emergency purchases of additional gas volumes or the introduction of restrictions for consumers in connection with the termination of the contract.

Significance for Ukraine

Orlen is one of Ukraine's important partners on the European gas market. The company cooperates with NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" in the field of liquefied gas imports, in particular from the USA, through Polish infrastructure.

In September 2026, "Naftogaz" announced the signing of new memorandums with Orlen on the development of energy cooperation. One of the documents provides for the possibility of supplying three additional LNG cargoes in the first quarter of 2027.

Such volumes can help Ukraine meet its natural gas needs during the peak seasonal consumption. At the same time, it concerns planned cooperation, not confirmed completion of all supplies.

Currently, there are no reports that the termination of the Polish-Qatari contract will affect the implementation of agreements between Orlen and "Naftogaz". In particular, supplies of American LNG to Ukraine are carried out within separate commercial agreements.

Based on materials from: Orlen, Naftogaz of Ukraine