An Iranian missile strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility has disrupted global gas supply and raised concerns for India. The attack halted production at the world’s largest LNG plant. It came as part of Iran’s response to US-Israel strikes. Energy markets reacted with rising prices and supply fears. India depends on imports for about half of its gas needs. Nearly 20% comes from Qatar. Energy expert Kirit Parikh said, “India will need to curtail its gas consumption.” Some supplies have already been disrupted. The Strait of Hormuz also faces risks, slowing tanker movement. India is now looking for alternative LNG sources to manage the impact. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of strong action if it targets Qatar again. He said the US could “blow up the entirety” of Iran’s South Pars gas field. The warning came after Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan energy site, causing “extensive damage”. The attack followed Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars field. Trump said Qatar was “in no way involved” and called Iran’s move “unjustified”. Qatar said the strike was a “direct threat” to its security. Energy markets reacted quickly, with gas prices rising sharply. The conflict has raised fears of more attacks across the region and further risks to global energy supply. (PC: BBC)

A rare western disturbance is affecting North India with an unusual straight rain band stretching nearly 1,000 km across Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Such systems usually form curved troughs, but this one has a straight low-pressure line. Experts say this shape can lead to strong thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds. Several regions are already seeing these conditions. The system has also brought relief from early heat. Temperatures in cities like Delhi have dropped by 3 to 7 degrees. The India Meteorological Department said “moderate to heavy rainfall with lightning and gusty winds” will continue till March 20. (PC: India Today)

Indian stock markets saw a sharp fall, with Sensex dropping over 2,400 points by close. Nifty also declined heavily after a weak opening. The total market value of BSE-listed firms fell by over Rs 12 trillion. The fall came after Iran struck key energy sites in the Gulf, pushing Brent crude above $110 per barrel. Shares of HDFC Bank also dropped after its chairman resigned suddenly. The US Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged, making US bonds more attractive. This led to continued foreign investor selling. GIFT Nifty had already signalled a negative start earlier in the day. (PC: NDTV)

The ongoing Middle East conflict could push the world towards a recession if it continues for four more weeks, Axis Bank economist Neelkanth Mishra said. He noted that about 7% of global energy supply is already disrupted. “If this lasts more than four weeks… there will be the risk of a significant global recession,” he said. Mishra added that even a 4–5% supply shock can put similar share of global GDP at risk. Markets have not reacted sharply yet due to existing inventories. But he warned supply chains may worsen soon, with impacts already seen in sectors like real estate, auto and textiles. (PC: India Today)

The FBI is probing former US counter-terror chief Joe Kent over an alleged leak of classified information, reports said. The inquiry began before his resignation this week. Kent stepped down after opposing US strikes on Iran. In a podcast, he claimed key officials were “not allowed to express their opinion” before the decision. He said there was “no robust debate” before the February 28 strikes. Kent also said there was no clear intelligence of an immediate threat from Iran. He alleged Israel influenced the US decision. US officials have not publicly responded to his claims. (PC: X)

Iran struck Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub after Israeli attacks on its gas fields. QatarEnergy said several sites were hit and damage was reported at the Pearl GTL plant. Qatar called it a “serious threat” to global energy security. The strike is seen as retaliation for attacks on Iran’s South Pars field. After the incident, Donald Trump asked Israel to avoid further strikes on the site. He said the US had “no prior knowledge” of Israel’s strike. He warned that more attacks could widen the war. He also said further damage to key energy sites could disrupt global gas supply and raise prices. (PC: HT, X)

Gas prices rose sharply in the UK and Europe after attacks on key energy sites in Qatar and Iran. Prices jumped more than 25% in early trading before easing slightly. They are now more than double the level seen before the conflict began. The rise followed damage to Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex, a major gas hub. Experts say the spike reflects fears of long disruption. “The jump is huge,” said Matthieu Favas of The Economist. He added that hopes of a quick restart now look unlikely. Prices may rise further as demand increases later in the year.

A drone struck near the SAMREF refinery in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, as Iran expanded attacks on Gulf energy sites. The refinery, run by Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, saw limited damage, though a fire was reported. The strike followed similar hits in Qatar and the UAE. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had warned of attacks on oil and gas sites across the region. The move is seen as retaliation for US-Israel strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Yanbu is a key export route after the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted. Attacks on Fujairah port and Ras Laffan have raised concerns over global oil supply. (PC: X)

The Iran war has entered a more dangerous phase as both sides target energy facilities. Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest, prompting Iran to hit gas sites in Qatar and the UAE. This marks a shift where “energy has now become a weapon of war”. Oil prices have risen above $110 per barrel. Analysts warn damage to such sites may take years to repair. India could be affected as it depends heavily on LNG from Qatar. Disruptions may hit fuel supply and costs. The conflict, now in its third week, is increasing risks for global energy markets and economies. (PC: India Today)