GITNUXREPORT 2025

Gas Industry Statistics

Global natural gas market grows amid US dominance, LNG expansion, and infrastructure challenges.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global natural gas CO2 emissions are estimated at around 900 million tons annually, contributing significantly to climate change

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Natural gas flaring worldwide is estimated to release 396 million metric tons of CO2 annually, highlighting inefficiencies in gas utilization

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The United States reduced greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas combustion by 18% between 2010 and 2020 due to efficiency improvements

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The global pipeline natural gas transport infrastructure spans over 3.4 million kilometers

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About 60% of the world's natural gas is transported via pipelines, with LNG accounting for the remaining 40%

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The world's largest natural gas pipeline is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, with a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year

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The average lifespan of a natural gas pipeline is approximately 30-50 years, depending on materials and maintenance

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As of 2022, about 70% of natural gas pipelines in the U.S. are considered 'abandoned or inactive,' reflecting infrastructure challenges

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The average cost of developing a liquefied natural gas export terminal ranges from $1 billion to $3 billion, depending on size and location

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The International Gas Union predicts that investments in natural gas infrastructure will total over $500 billion globally by 2025, aimed at new pipelines and LNG facilities

Statistic 11

The global pipeline network is expected to expand by 10% over the next five years, driven by increased demand in Asia and Africa

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The global natural gas pipeline length per capita is approximately 0.032 kilometers, indicating significant infrastructure gaps in developing regions

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The global natural gas market was valued at approximately $537 billion in 2022

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The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is projected to reach $770 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022

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As of 2022, Qatar holds the world's third-largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at 14.7 trillion cubic meters

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Australia has become the world's largest LNG exporter, shipping over 78 million tonnes annually in 2022

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In 2021, the US had over 480 operational natural gas processing plants, increasing efficiency and capacity

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The Middle East holds more than 40% of the world's proven natural gas reserves, predominantly in Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia

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The global natural gas storage holds approximately 14 trillion cubic feet capacity, aiding in balancing supply and demand

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The total value of global natural gas trade, including pipelines and LNG, was approximately $632 billion in 2022, making it one of the most traded energy commodities

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In 2022, the global natural gas liquefaction capacity was around 480 million tonnes per annum, with Australia, Qatar, and the US leading

Statistic 22

The average global natural gas price in 2023 is approximately $4.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu)

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China’s natural gas imports are expected to grow by 6% annually through 2030, as the country seeks to reduce coal dependency

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The European gas storage levels reached about 88% of capacity in 2023, helping Europe to weather supply disruptions

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China has become the world's second-largest importer of natural gas, with imports reaching 94 billion cubic meters in 2022

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About 25% of the world's natural gas production is used for electricity generation

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The global demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 40% by 2040, according to the IEA's Outlook 2023

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The U.S. became the world's largest natural gas producer in 2019, overtaking Russia and Iran

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Natural gas accounts for approximately 22% of the world's primary energy consumption

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The global natural gas capacity for liquefaction is projected to increase by 50% from 2022 to 2030

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The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the highest growth market for natural gas, with a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028

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Over 60 countries worldwide have active natural gas extraction and production activities, with Africa seeing the fastest growth in recent years

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The global natural gas market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030, reaching an estimated value of $790 billion

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The direct employment in the global natural gas industry was estimated at over 2.5 million jobs in 2022, with significant contributions in engineering, drilling, and transportation

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Natural gas is often used as a feedstock in local chemical manufacturing, notably in the production of fertilizers and plastics, accounting for roughly 15% of global chemical feedstocks

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The consumption of natural gas for residential heating accounts for approximately 25% of total residential energy use in developed countries

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The natural gas power generation sector is expected to expand by 25% in the next decade worldwide, according to the Global Energy Review 2023

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The total number of natural gas wells drilled globally in 2022 was approximately 7,200, with North America leading the count

Statistic 39

The development of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) units allows for extraction in remote offshore locations, with over 20 units operational worldwide as of 2023

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In 2023, the global natural gas storage capacity increased by 12%, supporting energy security efforts amid geopolitical tensions

Statistic 41

The use of natural gas in combined heat and power (CHP) systems increased by 15% globally from 2018 to 2022, improving energy efficiency

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The European Union aims to reduce natural gas dependence on Russia by 50% by 2024

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The Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi aims to become a low-carbon city powered significantly by natural gas

Statistic 44

The U.S. government’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) boosts natural gas infrastructure projects, total investments exceeding $20 billion annually

Statistic 45

The percentage of natural gas consumed from renewable sources or biogas is projected to increase from 2% in 2022 to over 10% by 2030, as part of cleaner energy initiatives

Statistic 46

The Middle East plans to increase natural gas production capacity by 20% by 2025 to meet rising domestic and export demand

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The development of strategic gas reserves in Asia-Pacific aims to cover 30 days of import requirements by 2025, enhancing energy security

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The United States is the world's largest producer of natural gas, accounting for about 40% of global production in 2022

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In 2021, Russia exported around 194 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe, making it the largest supplier

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The U.S. shale gas revolution increased U.S. natural gas production by over 50% between 2005 and 2020

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In 2022, Nigeria's natural gas production was around 3.5 billion cubic feet per day, with most of it exported as LNG

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Russia's Rosneft and Gazprom account for over 70% of the country's natural gas production, maintaining its global influence

Statistic 53

The average recovery rate of natural gas from shale formations is approximately 60%, depending on geological conditions and technology

Statistic 54

Approximately 80% of natural gas production in the U.S. is from shale formations, making it the dominant extraction method

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Key Highlights

The global natural gas market was valued at approximately $537 billion in 2022
The United States is the world's largest producer of natural gas, accounting for about 40% of global production in 2022
In 2021, Russia exported around 194 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe, making it the largest supplier
The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is projected to reach $770 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022
China has become the world's second-largest importer of natural gas, with imports reaching 94 billion cubic meters in 2022
About 25% of the world's natural gas production is used for electricity generation
The global pipeline natural gas transport infrastructure spans over 3.4 million kilometers
The U.S. shale gas revolution increased U.S. natural gas production by over 50% between 2005 and 2020
As of 2022, Qatar holds the world's third-largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at 14.7 trillion cubic meters
The European Union aims to reduce natural gas dependence on Russia by 50% by 2024
The global demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 40% by 2040, according to the IEA's Outlook 2023
About 60% of the world's natural gas is transported via pipelines, with LNG accounting for the remaining 40%
The U.S. became the world's largest natural gas producer in 2019, overtaking Russia and Iran

The gas industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, with the global market valued at over half a trillion dollars in 2022, driven by major players like the U.S., Russia, and Australia expanding infrastructure, exports, and reserves amid shifting geopolitical and environmental priorities.

Environmental Impact and Emissions

The global natural gas CO2 emissions are estimated at around 900 million tons annually, contributing significantly to climate change
Natural gas flaring worldwide is estimated to release 396 million metric tons of CO2 annually, highlighting inefficiencies in gas utilization
The United States reduced greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas combustion by 18% between 2010 and 2020 due to efficiency improvements

Environmental Impact and Emissions Interpretation

While the U.S. has made commendable strides in trimming natural gas emissions, the staggering global figures—900 million tons of CO2 annually and nearly 400 million tons from flaring—serve as a stark reminder that the gas industry still has a long way to go in balancing energy needs with climate responsibility.

Infrastructure and Transportation

The global pipeline natural gas transport infrastructure spans over 3.4 million kilometers
About 60% of the world's natural gas is transported via pipelines, with LNG accounting for the remaining 40%
The world's largest natural gas pipeline is the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, with a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year
The average lifespan of a natural gas pipeline is approximately 30-50 years, depending on materials and maintenance
As of 2022, about 70% of natural gas pipelines in the U.S. are considered 'abandoned or inactive,' reflecting infrastructure challenges
The average cost of developing a liquefied natural gas export terminal ranges from $1 billion to $3 billion, depending on size and location
The International Gas Union predicts that investments in natural gas infrastructure will total over $500 billion globally by 2025, aimed at new pipelines and LNG facilities
The global pipeline network is expected to expand by 10% over the next five years, driven by increased demand in Asia and Africa
The global natural gas pipeline length per capita is approximately 0.032 kilometers, indicating significant infrastructure gaps in developing regions

Infrastructure and Transportation Interpretation

Despite a sprawling 3.4 million-kilometer network and trillion-dollar investments fueling its expansion, the world's natural gas infrastructure reveals a paradox of vast reach and significant gaps, with aging pipelines and inactive assets underscoring the challenges of balancing energy security, economic cost, and sustainable growth.

Market Size

The global natural gas market was valued at approximately $537 billion in 2022
The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is projected to reach $770 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2022
As of 2022, Qatar holds the world's third-largest proven natural gas reserves, estimated at 14.7 trillion cubic meters
Australia has become the world's largest LNG exporter, shipping over 78 million tonnes annually in 2022
In 2021, the US had over 480 operational natural gas processing plants, increasing efficiency and capacity
The Middle East holds more than 40% of the world's proven natural gas reserves, predominantly in Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
The global natural gas storage holds approximately 14 trillion cubic feet capacity, aiding in balancing supply and demand
The total value of global natural gas trade, including pipelines and LNG, was approximately $632 billion in 2022, making it one of the most traded energy commodities
In 2022, the global natural gas liquefaction capacity was around 480 million tonnes per annum, with Australia, Qatar, and the US leading

Market Size Interpretation

With a market now valued at over half a trillion dollars and projected to surge past $770 billion by 2029, the natural gas industry fuels a global economy that’s as explosive in growth as it is vital for energy stability, with Australia now leading LNG exports and the Middle East holding nearly half of the world’s reserves—making natural gas not just a commodity but a geopolitical powerhouse.

Market Trends

The average global natural gas price in 2023 is approximately $4.50 per million British thermal units (MMBtu)
China’s natural gas imports are expected to grow by 6% annually through 2030, as the country seeks to reduce coal dependency
The European gas storage levels reached about 88% of capacity in 2023, helping Europe to weather supply disruptions

Market Trends Interpretation

As the world balances the ebb and flow of natural gas—priced around $4.50 per MMBtu, with China’s imports rising 6% annually in its coal-to-clean energy push, and Europe’s stores at 88% capacity—it's clear that strategic reserves, shifting import dynamics, and fluctuating prices are shaping a nuanced global energy narrative.

Market Trends and Market Size

China has become the world's second-largest importer of natural gas, with imports reaching 94 billion cubic meters in 2022
About 25% of the world's natural gas production is used for electricity generation
The global demand for natural gas is expected to increase by 40% by 2040, according to the IEA's Outlook 2023
The U.S. became the world's largest natural gas producer in 2019, overtaking Russia and Iran
Natural gas accounts for approximately 22% of the world's primary energy consumption
The global natural gas capacity for liquefaction is projected to increase by 50% from 2022 to 2030
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to be the highest growth market for natural gas, with a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028
Over 60 countries worldwide have active natural gas extraction and production activities, with Africa seeing the fastest growth in recent years
The global natural gas market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030, reaching an estimated value of $790 billion
The direct employment in the global natural gas industry was estimated at over 2.5 million jobs in 2022, with significant contributions in engineering, drilling, and transportation
Natural gas is often used as a feedstock in local chemical manufacturing, notably in the production of fertilizers and plastics, accounting for roughly 15% of global chemical feedstocks
The consumption of natural gas for residential heating accounts for approximately 25% of total residential energy use in developed countries
The natural gas power generation sector is expected to expand by 25% in the next decade worldwide, according to the Global Energy Review 2023
The total number of natural gas wells drilled globally in 2022 was approximately 7,200, with North America leading the count
The development of floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) units allows for extraction in remote offshore locations, with over 20 units operational worldwide as of 2023
In 2023, the global natural gas storage capacity increased by 12%, supporting energy security efforts amid geopolitical tensions
The use of natural gas in combined heat and power (CHP) systems increased by 15% globally from 2018 to 2022, improving energy efficiency

Market Trends and Market Size Interpretation

As natural gas continues its ascent as the world's energy backbone—fueling factories, homes, and power plants while propelling Asia-Pacific to lead the growth race—countries are gliding along an energy rollercoaster where demand is set to soar by 40% by 2040, even as global capacity expansion and geopolitical shifts underscore the industry’s delicate balance between opportunity and upheaval.

Policies, Goals, and Strategic Initiatives

The European Union aims to reduce natural gas dependence on Russia by 50% by 2024
The Masdar City project in Abu Dhabi aims to become a low-carbon city powered significantly by natural gas
The U.S. government’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) boosts natural gas infrastructure projects, total investments exceeding $20 billion annually
The percentage of natural gas consumed from renewable sources or biogas is projected to increase from 2% in 2022 to over 10% by 2030, as part of cleaner energy initiatives
The Middle East plans to increase natural gas production capacity by 20% by 2025 to meet rising domestic and export demand
The development of strategic gas reserves in Asia-Pacific aims to cover 30 days of import requirements by 2025, enhancing energy security

Policies, Goals, and Strategic Initiatives Interpretation

As nations strive to balance energy security and climate ambitions, the evolving natural gas landscape reveals a paradox where investments and infrastructure expand—yet the push toward renewable and low-carbon sources accelerates—highlighting natural gas's role as both a transitional bridge and a target for cautious optimism.

Production and Export Data

The United States is the world's largest producer of natural gas, accounting for about 40% of global production in 2022
In 2021, Russia exported around 194 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe, making it the largest supplier
The U.S. shale gas revolution increased U.S. natural gas production by over 50% between 2005 and 2020
In 2022, Nigeria's natural gas production was around 3.5 billion cubic feet per day, with most of it exported as LNG
Russia's Rosneft and Gazprom account for over 70% of the country's natural gas production, maintaining its global influence
The average recovery rate of natural gas from shale formations is approximately 60%, depending on geological conditions and technology
Approximately 80% of natural gas production in the U.S. is from shale formations, making it the dominant extraction method

Production and Export Data Interpretation

With the U.S. unleashing a shale-gas boom that now supplies 80% of its natural gas and accounts for 40% of global output, and Russia still holding sway over Europe with 194 billion cubic meters exported in 2021, the world’s gas game is a high-stakes shale versus geopolitics match, where technological gains and political stakes collide behind the scenes of booming production and strategic influence.