Projections for global natural gas consumption between 2025 and 2030 depict a world moving at two very different speeds regarding fossil fuel reliance.
The data points to a general trend of increasing demand, primarily driven by industrializing regions, while Europe stands out as a singular exception to this trajectory.
By 2030, the Asia Pacific region is expected to see the most significant surge in consumption, growing by 19% to reach 1,178 billion cubic metres. This massive increase positions the region to nearly rival North America in total volume, reflecting rapid economic expansion and energy needs.
North America remains the largest absolute consumer, with demand projected to rise modestly by 4%, moving from 1,168 to 1,220 billion cubic metres.
Similarly, the Middle East is anticipated to experience robust growth, with a 16% increase pushing consumption to 729 billion cubic metres. Africa also shows a double-digit percentage rise of 12%, though its total volume remains lower at 194 billion cubic metres.
Central and South America and Eurasia are on track for steady, single-digit growth rates of 5% and 6%, respectively.
In sharp contrast to the rest of the globe, Europe is projected to reduce its natural gas usage significantly. The forecast indicates an 11% decline, dropping from 522 billion cubic metres in 2025 to 465 billion by 2030. This divergence highlights a distinct shift in European energy strategy, likely driven by aggressive decarbonization policies, efficiency measures, or a pivot toward renewable energy sources that other regions have not yet prioritized to the same degree.
by Vincent Okeyo
