Global Natural Gas Reserves Concentrated in Russia, Iran, and Qatar
Natural gas is a vital energy source, widely used as a transition fuel due to its cleaner burn compared to coal and oil. The global distribution of natural gas reserves is highly uneven, with Russia, Iran, and Qatar controlling more than half of the world's proven reserves.
The Middle East and Eurasia hold the largest shares of conventional gas reserves, making importing countries dependent on key pipelines and LNG shipping routes. According to data, Russia has the world's largest stockpile of natural gas, with most reserves located in the West Siberian Basin, particularly around the Yamal Peninsula.
Other major players include Iran, which holds the second-largest natural gas reserves and is restricted by sanctions and infrastructure limitations from large-scale exports. Qatar ranks third, being a significant exporter of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) through its Ras Laffan facility.