Global Gas Demand Reaches Record High as System Shows Resilience Amid Disruptions

The global gas system has shown significant resilience in the face of disruptions and challenges, according to the 2026 Global Gas Report released by Snam and the International Gas Union. The report highlights that global gas demand reached a record 4202 billion m3 in 2025, with an increase of 69 billion m3 or 1.7%, thanks to investment in diversification, LNG infrastructure, and storage.

The system's resilience was tested when the Strait of Hormuz crisis occurred in 2026, which constrained around 20% of global LNG supply, equivalent to roughly 3% of total global gas supply. However, the impact was less severe than in 2022, with prices rising but remaining well below the extremes seen four years ago.

The report notes that continued investment in LNG supply, regasification capacity, storage, and diversified supplier portfolios is essential to maintain this resilience. The global gas production reached an all-time high of 4147 billion m3 in 2025, with North America accounting for 54 billion m3 of additional supply.

The United States overtook Russia to become the world's largest net gas exporter, exporting 167 billion m3 in 2025. The report also highlights that energy security cannot be taken for granted and that natural gas continues to play a crucial role in balancing the system when renewables are unavailable.