Global natural gas consumption 2023, by country

The United States consumed around 920 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2023. This was far more than any other country in the world. The country is a major gas producer and able to satisfy its gas demand through domestic production. Other large consumer and producer countries include Russia, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.

Global natural gas consumption trends

Worldwide natural gas consumption has remained relatively stable over the past three years, with global usage reaching about four trillion cubic meters in 2023. That same year, natural gas accounted for around 23.3 percent of global primary energy consumption, marking the lowest share since 2017. This downward trend in natural gas's share of the energy mix is attributed to a surge in natural gas prices and supply constraints between 2022 and 2023, in addition to greater electrification efforts.

Natural gas in national energy landscapes

The role of natural gas varies significantly across countries, with some countries heavily dependent on this fuel source. Trinidad and Tobago, for instance, derives nearly 90 percent of its energy from natural gas, while Iran relies on it for about 70 percent of its primary energy needs. In contrast, China, the world's largest consumer of primary energy, has been diversifying its energy mix. The country has gradually shifted away from coal dominance towards increased use of natural gas and renewable sources, reflecting a broader global trend towards cleaner energy options.