Wintershall is ceasing its activities in Qatar and is returning Block 4 North near the North Field off the Qatari coast on May 25, the company said in a news release.

Wintershall, which made the Al Radeef gas discovery offshore Qatar in 2013, also plans to close its office in Doha.

“During the development planning, it was always clear to us and our partners that an economic development of the discovery, including the processing of the gas, would only be possible if we have access to local infrastructure. This access was not granted. That is why we have decided to take this step,” said Wintershall board member Martin Bachmann, who is responsible for exploration and production in Europe and the Middle East.

Other activities in the Middle East region are not affected by the withdrawal from Qatar, Wintershall said, adding its current focus is on the United Arab Emirates.