Finance
Norsk hydro says QatarEnergy announces halt to aluminium production
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 3, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 3, 2026
Quick Summary
Norsk Hydro confirms QatarEnergy has halted production of several downstream products in Qatar—including aluminium—and is assessing how this may affect aluminium output at their joint venture, Qatalum.
Norsk Hydro says QatarEnergy announces halt to aluminium production
QatarEnergy Halts Aluminium and Other Downstream Production
OSLO, March 3 (Reuters) - Norway's Norsk Hydro said on Tuesday that QatarEnergy has issued a statement that the company is stopping the production of some downstream products in Qatar, including urea, polymers, methanol and aluminium.
Background to the Production Halt
The announcement follows QatarEnergy's announcement on Monday that the company was stopping the production of liquefied natural gas after Iranian drone attacks on facilities in its sprawling Ras Laffan complex.
Impact on Qatalum Joint Venture
QatarEnergy supplies gas to Qatalum, a 50/50 joint venture between Norsk Hydro and Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Company (QAMCO), which has a primary aluminium capacity of 648,000 tonnes and casthouse capacity of 687,000 tonnes, Hydro said.
Uncertainty Over Aluminium Production
"The specific implications for aluminium production at Qatalum are currently unclear and Hydro is seeking to obtain more information," the Norwegian group said in a statement.
Financial Performance of Qatalum
In 2025, Qatalum generated an adjusted net income of 1.3 billion Norwegian crowns ($134.32 million) on a 50% basis, Hydro said.
Exchange Rate Information
($1 = 9.6781 Norwegian crowns)
(Reporting by Terje Solsvik, editing by Stine Jacobsen and Louise Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •QatarEnergy has suspended production of urea, polymers, methanol and aluminium, likely following an LNG production halt after an attack on Ras Laffan (e24.no)
- •Qatalum, the 50/50 JV between Norsk Hydro and QAMCO with primary aluminium capacity of ~648,000 t and casthouse capacity of ~687,000 t (Hydro’s statement) may be impacted; Hydro is seeking clarity (e24.no)
- •The stoppage follows disruptions to LNG and related industrial output caused by strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facilities, which supply feedstock for Qatalum (e24.no)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Norsk Hydro says QatarEnergy announces halt to aluminium production
1What did QatarEnergy announce regarding aluminium production?
QatarEnergy announced it is stopping the production of some downstream products, including aluminium, in Qatar.
2How is Norsk Hydro involved in Qatar's aluminium production?
Norsk Hydro is a 50/50 joint venture partner in Qatalum, alongside Qatar Aluminum Manufacturing Company (QAMCO).
3What products are affected by QatarEnergy’s halt?
The production halt affects urea, polymers, methanol, and aluminium.
4Is it clear how Qatalum's aluminium production will be impacted?
The implications for Qatalum's aluminium production are currently unclear, according to Norsk Hydro.
5How much primary aluminium capacity does Qatalum have?
Qatalum has a primary aluminium capacity of 648,000 tonnes and casthouse capacity of 687,000 tonnes.
