An artist paints the image of an LNG tanker at the display of QatarEnergy during the LNG 2023 trade show in Vancouver
MENA's gas metamorphosis
Across the Middle East and North Africa, gas is taking an enhanced role in helping build out economies that need to diversify away from crude oil dependence
Once the unloved cousin in a regional energy mix dominated by abundant supplies of crude oil, gas has barged its way to the top of the agenda in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Gas now accounts for more than half of the MENA energy mix, and the region is now responsible for almost 18% of global gas consumption, the third-largest share behind North America and Asia-Pacific. Where oil’s importance to the MENA region once left the impression gas was a marginal business—reflecting the reality that more economic rent is generated from the sale of crude barrels—over the last few years attention has turned towards the exploitation of gas. “MENA has been leveraging gas as much as pos
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
