Qatar-related gas issuers may be downgraded-Moody's

* username: rupertbu

Ratings agency Moody's said it may downgrade four Qatari government-related issuers, saying they lack a formal agreement guaranteeing government support and it should not be assumed that Qatar would back any debt if troubles arise.

It said natural gas firms Ras Laffan I, Ras Laffan II, Ras Laffan 3 and gas transport company Nakilat Inc were under its microscope.

The move comes just three weeks after Moody's downgraded seven firms in the rival Gulf energy exporting emirate of Abu Dhabi, citing a lack of explicit guarantees of government support for the entities.