Qatar’s state-owned energy company QatarEnergy is in talks to purchase up to 3 million metric tons per year (mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Australia’s Woodside Energy’s Louisiana LNG export facility in the US under a potential long-term supply agreement, Reuters reported, citing three people familiar with the negotiations.

If finalized, the deal could cover supplies for 15 to 20 years from the 16.5 mtpa facility under construction, according to one of the sources. Woodside declined to comment on market speculation, while QatarEnergy had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment.

The negotiations come as QatarEnergy seeks to secure supplies for some of its customers through the US spot market amid disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has curtailed maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, Reuters reported.

QatarEnergy has also expanded its potential exposure to US LNG exports through its 70% ownership stake in the Golden Pass LNG project in Louisiana, which is designed to export up to 18 mtpa once completed.

The latest talks follow a long-term supply agreement announced by US-based Cheniere Energy on October 22 to supply QatarEnergy with 4 mtpa of LNG. Under the agreement, 2 mtpa will come from Cheniere’s Sabine Pass facility in Louisiana, while the remaining 2 mtpa will be sourced from its Corpus Christi terminal in Texas.

Reuters also reported that QatarEnergy was in advanced talks with US LNG exporter Venture Global to purchase at least 3 mtpa under a potential long-term agreement.

Woodside’s Louisiana LNG and Venture Global are among the US suppliers with the largest amounts of uncommitted LNG capacity, according to Reuters. Louisiana LNG is reportedly seeking liquefaction fees exceeding $2.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), above average US market prices, in exchange for offering buyers greater contractual flexibility and potentially shorter contract terms.