QatarEnergy extended force majeure on liquefied natural gas shipments for Edison--one of its largest European customers--through the end of September, the Italian utility said Tuesday.

The state-owned company notified Edison that it wouldn't be able to deliver three additional cargoes scheduled for Italy's Adriatic LNG import terminal. The force majeure clause allows suppliers to suspend contractual obligations without penalty due to events beyond their control.

The extension brings the total number of cargoes affected to 24, equivalent to around 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Edison, a unit of France's EDF, has a long-term contract with QatarEnergy to import 6.4 billion cubic meters of gas a year into Italy.

Qatar is one of the world's largest LNG exporters, accounting for nearly one-fifth of global LNG trade. Iranian strikes knocked out 17% of capacity at its Ras Laffan hub, while the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz sharply curtailed tanker traffic for months.

QatarEnergy wasn't immediately available for comment.

Edison said it would still be able to secure alternative supplies and meet all of its commitments to customers.