Global Gas System Becomes More Resilient to Disruptions

The global gas system has become more resilient to disruptions, according to the 2026 Global Gas Report by Snam and the International Gas Union. The report states that the system absorbed a major supply shock in 2026 far more effectively than it did in 2022, thanks to investment in diversification, LNG infrastructure, and storage.

Global gas demand reached a record 4202 billion m3 in 2025, an increase of 69 billion m3 or 1.7%, with residential and commercial heating accounting for the largest increase. The system entered 2026 from a position of strength, but faces new challenges, including ensuring that its resilience keeps pace with a rapidly changing and increasingly demanding global energy system.

The Strait of Hormuz crisis in 2026 provided the most significant test of the global gas system since the energy crisis of 2022. The disruption constrained around 20% of global LNG supply, equivalent to roughly 3% of total global gas supply. However, the impact was markedly different from 2022, with gas prices rising but remaining well below the extremes seen four years ago.

The report highlights the importance of continued investment in LNG supply, regasification capacity, storage, and diversified supplier portfolios to maintain the system's resilience. It also notes that the global gas demand is expected to moderate downwards by 7 billion m3 (-0.2%) in 2026, representing the first decline in supply and demand since 2022.

Mr Menelaos (Mel) Ydreos, the Secretary General of the International Gas Union, stated: “The Global Gas Report 2026 tells us something important about the energy system: resilience is not accidental. It is built through investment, diversity, flexibility and the ability to adapt.”