Cyclone Narelle Halts Key Australian LNG and Iron Ore Exports, Jolting Global Commodity Markets

Tropical Cyclone Narelle has forced the shutdown of major liquefied natural gas (LNG) and iron ore facilities in Western Australia, sending a shock through already volatile global energy markets. The disruption, which affects plants accounting for roughly 8% of global LNG supply, compounds existing tightness from Middle East tensions. Iron ore futures initially spiked on supply fears before retreating as the cyclone passed without causing major infrastructure damage, shifting focus back to Chinese demand fundamentals. Markets are now assessing the timeline for a full resumption of exports.