Global natural gas proved reserves 2000-2020

Global proved natural gas reserves amounted to 6.64 quadrillion cubic feet as of 2020. Between 2019 and 2020, natural gas reserves decreased by nearly 40 trillion cubic feet as the coronavirus pandemic reduced exploration activities within the oil and gas industry.

Natural gas reserves by region and country

The global volume of proved natural gas reserves has increased from 5.15 quadrillion cubic feet in 2000 to over seven quadrillion cubic feet in 2019. Proved reserves indicate the amount of a resource that can be produced economically under current prices and technologies. Reserves can change annually with new discoveries, thorough appraisal of existing fields, and production of existing resources. In 2020, around 40 percent of the world’s natural gas reserves were located in the Middle East. Russia is the country with the largest share of global natural gas reserves.

Natural gas production in the U.S.

The United States has experienced a relatively large surge in proved natural gas reserves, reaching record numbers. Most of these new reserves have been found in Pennsylvania, Western Virginia, and Texas. The U.S. has also increased production output due to increased use of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and horizontal drilling. U.S. shale gas production is forecast to reach nearly 34 trillion cubic feet by 2050.