Saudi Arabia Surpasses Norway: Get to Know the Largest Natural Gas Producing Countries in the World

The list of the largest natural gas producing countries in the world in 2024 witnessed significant changes in production levels among countries, with Saudi Arabia continuing to outperform Norway for the second consecutive year.

A recent statistical report - obtained by an energy research unit based in Washington - showed a 1.2% increase in global natural gas production to 4.124 trillion cubic meters in 2024, compared to around 4.064 trillion cubic meters in 2023.

The United States maintained its lead as the largest natural gas producing country in the world, single-handedly accounting for a quarter of global production.

Only 4 countries - the United States, Russia, Iran, and China - accounted for 53% of the total global natural gas production in 2024.

Three Arab countries retained their positions among the top 10 producers in 2024, with Saudi Arabia continuing to outperform Norway - after data revision from 2023 - according to the energy research unit.



The United States remained at the top of the list of the largest natural gas producing countries in the world in 2024, with a significant lead over its closest competitors, producing approximately 1.033 trillion cubic meters, slightly down (0.3%) from 2023.

Russia came in second place, with a 7.1% increase in production to 629.9 billion cubic meters in 2024, compared to around 586.4 billion cubic meters in 2023, according to the latest statistical report from the British Energy Institute.

Iran ranked third among the largest natural gas producing countries in the world in 2024, with a 0.9% increase in production to 262.9 billion cubic meters, compared to around 259.7 billion cubic meters in 2023.

China ranked fourth, with a 5.7% increase in production to 248.4 billion cubic meters in the past year, compared to around 234.3 billion cubic meters in 2023.

Canada maintained fifth place with a 2% increase in natural gas production to 194.2 billion cubic meters in 2024, compared to 189.8 billion cubic meters in 2023.


Qatar held onto sixth place on the list of the largest natural gas producing countries in 2024, despite a 1.1% decrease in production to 179.4 billion cubic meters, compared to around 181 billion cubic meters in 2023.

Australia ranked seventh globally, with a 0.7% decrease in production to 150.1 billion cubic meters in 2024 compared to 150.7 billion cubic meters in 2023.

As for Saudi Arabia, it ranked eighth globally, with a 3.2% increase in natural gas production to 121.5 billion cubic meters in 2024, compared to around 117.4 billion cubic meters in 2023, according to data from the British Energy Institute.

The following chart - prepared by the energy research unit - illustrates the largest natural gas producing countries in the world in 2024: