Russia is attempting to capitalize on the global natural gas supply shortage by targeting energy-deficient South Asian nations with offers to purchase gas from its U.S.-sanctioned facilities, according to informed sources. The gas was marketed last week through little-known intermediaries, including Russian firms, at prices approximately 40% below current spot rates. Sellers reportedly claimed they could provide documentation making the cargoes appear to originate from non-Russian locations, such as Oman or Nigeria. The sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, requested anonymity. It remains unconfirmed whether any buyers have agreed to the offers. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, combined with an attack on the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export plant in Qatar, has disrupted roughly one-fifth of global gas supplies, unsettling markets and driving up prices. Shipments from Qatar have stalled, compelling customers in Bangladesh and India to seek more expensive alternative sources.