List of Top 10 Countries Producing Natural Gas In Billion Cubic Metres

Natural gas is one of the most vital natural energy sources globally; it plays a crucial role in electricity generation, industrial heating, and clean fuel alternatives. As the world navigates a transitional phase moving toward cleaner energy, natural gas is playing a critical role in the energy sector, and it is often seen as a “bridge fuel” between coal and renewable energy due to its lower carbon emissions. In the recent report of the Statistical Review of World Energy, which is covered by the Energy Institute, global natural gas production reached over 4,124 billion cubic meters, with a handful of countries contributing a significant share. From the total production of global natural oil production, the OECD contributes around 1,621 billion cubic meters, and the Non-OECD contributes around 2,502 billion cubic meters. This article presents the top 10 natural gas-producing countries, offering insights into each nation's contribution and the strategic importance of their gas reserves in the global energy landscape.

Also Read: Top 10 Countries with the Largest Oil Reserves

List of Top 10 Countries Producing Natural Gas In Billion Cubic Metres

Source: Statistical Review of World Energy

Top 10 Natural Gas Producing Countries

1. United States – 1033.0 Billion Cubic Metres

Source: eia.gov

The United States always remained the leader in natural gas production. The highest production of natural gas is due to its vast shale gas reserves and advances in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology, particularly in regions like the Permian Basin and Appalachian Basin. The U.S. not only fulfils its domestic energy needs but is also a major exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe and Asia.

2. Russia – 629.9 Billion Cubic Metres

Source: sciencedirect

Russia is always facing geopolitical challenges and sanctions. But it holds one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, which is in Siberia and the Yamal Peninsula. It has traditionally always played an important role in supplying natural gas, and Russia supplies natural gas to Europe, although trade flows have shifted due to political tensions. Many companies like Gazprom dominate the sector, operating some of the longest pipeline networks globally.

3. Iran – 262.9 Billion Cubic Metres

Iran has the second-largest proven gas reserves in the world, mainly from the massive South Pars field, which it shares with Qatar. Its production has increased steadily, primarily to support domestic consumption and regional exports, although international sanctions continue to restrict broader market access.

4. China – 248.4 Billion Cubic Metres

China comes in the third position in producing natural gas, and it needs to have a strong push in natural gas production, particularly from the unconventional sources like shale gas and cobalt methane, which is almost a traditional method used in China. While in production, China is a net importer of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as its domestic output continues to increase to meet the demand of urbanisation and policies related to the environment made by China for reducing coal dependency. 

5. Canada – 194.2 Billion Cubic Metres

Canada's production is mainly concentrated in Alberta and British Columbia, with strong infrastructure connecting to both domestic users and U.S. markets. It has also started increasing its LNG export capabilities to supply Asian countries through the Pacific coast.

6. Qatar – 179.5 Billion Cubic Metres

Qatar, though small in size, is an energy giant due to its share in the North Field, the world’s largest natural gas field. The country is the leading exporter of LNG globally, with a well-developed shipping infrastructure and long-term contracts with major economies in Asia and Europe.

7. Australia – 150.1 Billion Cubic Metres

Australia has emerged as a major LNG player, exporting large volumes to Japan, China, and South Korea. Most of its production comes from offshore fields in Western Australia and Queensland’s coal seam gas reserves. Its LNG terminals rank among the world’s largest and most modern.

8. Saudi Arabia – 121.5 Billion Cubic Metres

Traditionally known for its oil, Saudi Arabia is now expanding its gas production to meet domestic demand for electricity and desalination. The Jafurah Basin and other unconventional gas fields are part of its plan to diversify its energy mix under the Vision 2030 strategy.

9. Norway – 113.2 Billion Cubic Metres

Norway is Europe’s second-largest natural gas supplier after Russia and plays a crucial role in regional energy security. Most of its production comes from the North Sea, and it exports via an extensive subsea pipeline network directly to European markets like Germany and the UK.

10. Algeria – 94.7 Billion Cubic Metres

Algeria is Africa’s leading natural gas producer, with reserves primarily in the Hassi R’Mel field. It exports gas to Europe through pipelines across the Mediterranean and via LNG terminals. Algeria’s production is vital for European energy diversification, especially in the post-Russia supply restructuring.

Conclusion

These top 10 countries, which play a crucial role in producing natural gas, collectively reflect a mix of technological capabilities, natural resources, and strategic market access. Natural gas plays a crucial role in energy production and helps in many energy sectors. These countries, which are evolving and producing a vast amount of natural gas, are helping towards balancing economic growth, energy security, and climate change worldwide.