The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) projects global natural gas demand will soar by 31%, reaching 5,417 billion cubic meters by 2055, driven by macroeconomic growth, energy system transitions, and decarbonization requirements.
According to the GECF Global Gas Outlook 2055, demand will grow at an annual rate of 2.7%, with natural gas’s share in the global energy mix rising from 23% in 2024 to 26% by 2055.
The expansion is largely fueled by doubling electricity demand, projected to climb from 22% to 32% of final energy demand by 2055.
The Asia-Pacific region leads global growth with an additional 560 billion cubic meters — representing 43% of net increases — followed by the Middle East at 23% and Africa at 2.3%, the latter expected to record the fastest natural gas demand growth. Europe remains the only region forecast to experience long-term decline.
