RISING tensions in the Middle East could have implications for energy supplies reaching Wales, experts have warned, as concerns grow over potential disruption to Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Industry analysts say the deployment of naval mines in the strategic waterway could significantly delay the resumption of Qatari LNG exports, even if production facilities return to normal operation quickly.

The warning is particularly relevant for Pembrokeshire, where the South Hook LNG Terminal at Milford Haven—one of Europe’s largest LNG import facilities—is majority owned by Qatar and plays a key role in supplying gas to the UK.

Security experts told specialist energy service Montel News that any mining of the strait could make reopening the route “far more complex and gradual,” potentially keeping global gas supplies tight and prices elevated for longer.

Wael Abdel Moati, global gas expert and Chief Gas Officer at the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, said that restoring LNG supply levels could take “significantly longer than expected” if naval mines were present.

“Even if LNG production and exports were to resume quickly, the presence of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz would make the reopening of the waterway far more complex and gradual,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. A large proportion of the world’s LNG shipments—including exports from Qatar—must pass through the narrow channel between Iran and Oman before reaching global markets.

Any disruption there has immediate consequences for Europe and the UK, both of which rely heavily on LNG imports.

For Pembrokeshire, the stakes are particularly high. Tankers carrying Qatari LNG regularly dock at South Hook LNG in Milford Haven, where the gas is processed and fed directly into the UK’s national grid.

The terminal is a critical part of Britain’s energy infrastructure and has been central to the country’s gas supply since it opened in 2009.

Military analysts say clearing naval mines from the strait could require significant military operations before normal shipping resumes.

Derek Steel, managing director of security consultancy Chartsec and a former UK special forces officer, said minesweeping operations and naval escorts would likely be required before LNG carriers could safely pass through the area.

He said the United States and its allies would need to neutralise Iranian naval capabilities before shipping lanes could be considered secure.

Even after mines are cleared, experts warn that LNG carriers may require naval escort through the strait until shipowners and insurers regain confidence in the safety of the route.

Recent reports from US Central Command said military forces had already “eliminated” several suspected minelaying vessels near the strait amid fears that Iran may be attempting to deploy sea mines in the region. Iran is believed to possess thousands of naval mines.

Energy analysts say that if shipments from Qatar are delayed, global LNG prices could remain high, potentially feeding through to higher energy costs across Europe.

For communities around Milford Haven—home to both South Hook LNG and the nearby Dragon LNG terminal—the developments underline how international conflicts can quickly affect Wales’ role in the global energy system.

Labour claims opposition blocked protections for workers and tougher action on violence

PLAID CYMRU has come under criticism from Welsh Labour after voting against a motion supporting UK legislation aimed at strengthening protections for workers and tackling crime.

Members of the Senedd debated a Legislative Consent Motion relating to the UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill on Tuesday (Mar 10). The bill includes measures intended to strengthen action against anti-social behaviour, knife crime, and violence against women and girls, as well as providing additional protections for retail and emergency workers.

Welsh Labour MSs voted in favour of the motion, while Plaid Cymru, the Conservatives, and Reform UK members opposed it.

The proposed legislation includes provisions to increase protections for shop workers and emergency staff from assault, strengthen powers to tackle anti-social behaviour and serious violence, address knife and drug-related crime, and improve safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults.

Welsh Labour politician Huw Irranca-Davies MS, who is standing as a candidate for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, criticised Plaid Cymru’s decision.

He said: “Plaid teamed up with the Tories and Reform to block this bill. They voted against stronger protections for retail workers, emergency workers, and vulnerable people in our communities.

“When there was a choice to vote to make Wales a safer place, Plaid and the other opposition voted against it. When there was a choice between backing tougher action on crime and creating a constitutional row, Plaid chose the row. Welsh Labour chose to back stronger protections and safer communities.”

He added that the vote showed what a Plaid-led government might prioritise.

“This shows exactly what a Plaid-led government would look like — putting political arguments ahead of practical action to keep people safe,” he said.

However, opposition parties have previously argued that votes against Legislative Consent Motions do not necessarily reflect opposition to the policy itself, but rather concerns about Westminster legislating in areas that overlap with devolved powers.

Plaid Cymru has often taken the position that Welsh laws affecting devolved matters should be made in the Senedd rather than by the UK Parliament.

The Crime and Policing Bill continues its passage through the UK Parliament.

POLICE have arrested a woman following what is being described as a ‘knife attack’ at a property in Spittal on Monday night (Mar 10).

Emergency services were called to the domestic incident shortly before 8:30pm after the ambulance service requested assistance from Dyfed-Powys Police.

Officers and paramedics attended the property where a man and a woman were both found with injuries. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and assaulting an emergency worker. She remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Witnesses reported seeing police and ambulance crews at the property during the evening, prompting concern among local residents about what had happened.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that officers remain at the scene while investigations are ongoing.

A spokesperson said there is no ongoing risk to the wider community and described the incident as isolated.