The decision is probably driven by Qatar’s worries over losing market share to emerging competitors like the United States, whose shale gas industry has been growing fast, and Australia. An increase in the emirate’s exports could discourage investment by would-be rivals.

The surge in supplies from Qatar could also shake up the market, further weakening gas prices, which are already relatively low. But because Qatar has among the lowest production costs in the world, the country is more able to weather falling prices.

Still, Doha is picking an awkward time to increase production.

While Qatar undoubtedly has the raw resources to lift output, how it would do so is less clear. The country rose to become a world leader in exports of L.N.G. — gas chilled to liquid temperatures so it can be transported on ships, in that way reaching more potential customers than those afforded by pipelines alone — thanks to partnerships with energy giants like Exxon Mobil and Total of France.

In normal times, companies like those would welcome new opportunities for business.

But Qatar is now locked in a confrontation with Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations that have imposed an air and sea blockade on the emirate. If that persists, or escalates, countries opposed to Doha may pressure the companies, which have business interests throughout the gulf, to avoid dealing with Qatar.

That means Doha, which is already facing deteriorating finances and increased expenses because of the blockade, may be forced to dip into its own pocket for the billions required for new drilling and chilling facilities.