Policies aimed at moving away from coal and oil contributed to the rise in natural gas consumption last year, with China, India, and the US leading the increase, according to Gas Exporting Countries Forum's (GECF) latest report.
Global natural gas consumption grew by 2.5% in 2024 to 4.17 trillion cubic meters, driven by industrial and power generation sectors, GECF's 2025 Gas Market Report revealed.
Natural gas markets stabilized at lower prices in 2024 compared to previous years and contributed 35% to the incremental growth in primary energy demand, outpacing other energy types.
Growth was fueled by robust economic performance in Asia-Pacific, North America, and Eurasia, boosting electricity demand and industrial expansion.
Energy policies prioritizing coal-to-gas and oil-to-gas transitions played a key role in the rise in gas consumption, alongside high summer temperatures and unusually cold winter conditions.
Of the 4.17 trillion cubic meters consumed, North America accounted for 1.158 trillion cubic meters. Asia-Pacific followed with 980 billion cubic meters (bcm), Eurasia with 660 bcm, Europe 451 with bcm, the Middle East with 588 bcm, Africa with 183 bcm, and Latin America and the Caribbean with 150 bcm.
- China and India leads consumption in Asia Pacific
Asia-Pacific consumption surged 7%, with rising demands in China and in India.
'China's gas consumption rose by 8% to 430 bcm in 2024, marking the second consecutive year of growth.' the report said.
Growth in China was driven by coal-to-gas policies, increased LNG imports via new regasification terminals, and Russian gas supplies through the Power of Siberia pipeline.
'India's gas consumption rose by 10% to reach 72 bcm in 2024,' the report said.
This growth was primarily driven by higher demand in the industrial sector, increased use in power generation, and the ongoing expansion of the city gas distribution network.
South Korea's gas consumption grew by 3% to reach 56 bcm in 2024, reversing the decline seen the previous year.
This increase was largely driven by higher demand in the power generation sector, while Japan’s consumption remained stable at 92 bcm in same year, maintaining the same level as the previous year after several years of decline.
- Consumption in Africa up 3%
Africa's gas consumption rose 3% to 183 bcm, with Algeria and Egypt accounting for 60% of the total.
Nigeria's gas-fired power projects significantly contributed to the rise, alongside growing industrial activities and increased gas use in electricity generation.
North America's consumption grew 1.7% to 1.158 trillion cubic meters, primarily due to rising energy sector demand in the US.
Steady industrial demand, coal phase-outs, and the integration of intermittent renewables increased reliance on gas for grid stability and backup power in the region.
US gas consumption continued its upward trajectory, increasing by 1.6% to 925 bcm, largely driven by the power generation sector, while Canada's natural gas consumption rose by 2% to 124 bcm, rebounding from a sharp decline in 2023.
Gas consumption in Latin America and the Caribbean rose 1% to 150 bcm, driven by reduced hydropower output.
Droughts in Brazil and Colombia boosted gas-fired power generation to meet rising electricity demand and ensure grid stability. Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela accounted for 65% of the region’s consumption.
With 27 members, EU gas consumption declined 0.5% to 313 bcm continuing a downward trend.
Policies to reduce gas use, improved energy efficiency, a mild 2023-2024 winter, and growing renewable energy adoption drove the decline in the EU, while a recovery in industrial activity failed to offset reduced energy sector demand.
By Fuat Kabakci
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr