Several LNG tankers from Qatar are returning toward the Persian Gulf, a sign of the possibility of preparations for resuming exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Based on vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, six empty LNG vessels linked to Qatar are in the Sea of Oman or en route. Another empty vessel has recently passed through the strait and is heading toward Qatar in the Persian Gulf.

Qatar, which previously supplied one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas, has nearly stopped its shipments since an attack on one of its oil tankers in late Tir.

At present, 15 Qatari gas tankers remain idle behind the Strait of Hormuz, and two other vessels are loading at the Ras Laffan terminal.