Iran Ranks Second in Global Natural Gas Reserves After Russia
WANA (Oct 13) – According to the latest international statistics, global natural gas reserves are estimated at 121.2 trillion cubic meters, placing Iran as the world’s second-largest holder of gas reserves after Russia.
Global Gas Reserves and Production
The new data shows that Russia leads with 38 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, followed by Iran with 32 trillion cubic meters, and Qatar with 24.7 trillion cubic meters. Other major reserve holders include Turkmenistan (13.6 trillion cubic meters) and the United States (12.9 trillion cubic meters).
In terms of annual production, the United States ranks first with 934 billion cubic meters, followed by Russia (700 bcm) and Iran (256 bcm) as the world’s third-largest gas producer. Qatar (178 bcm) and Canada (173 bcm) rank fourth and fifth, respectively.
Gas Consumption Patterns
The United States is also the largest consumer of natural gas, using 826 billion cubic meters annually, followed by Russia (474 bcm), China (378.7 bcm), and Iran (241 bcm). Despite having a population of about 85 million, Iran’s gas consumption is only 120 billion cubic meters less than China’s, whose population exceeds 1.4 billion. This highlights Iran’s high energy intensity, with per capita energy consumption estimated to be 2.5 times the global average.
Iran Begins Development of One of the World’s Largest Gas Fields
WANA (Oct 07) – The project manager of the North Pars Gas Field announced the start of development operations for the independent offshore field, following the signing of a contract to construct the jacket for its first phase. Amin Khoramabadi, project manager for the North Pars Gas Field Development Plan, said the execution period […]
Middle East Gas Landscape
Within the Middle East, Iran holds the region’s largest gas reserves (32 tcm), followed by Qatar (24.7 tcm), Saudi Arabia (6 tcm), and the United Arab Emirates (5.9 tcm). Iran also leads regional production with 244.2 bcm annually, ahead of Qatar (178.1 bcm), Saudi Arabia (113.1 bcm), and the UAE (62.5 bcm). Iran’s domestic consumption—at 223.6 bcm per year—is the highest in the Middle East, outpacing Saudi Arabia (113.6 bcm), the UAE (76 bcm), and Qatar (41 bcm).
Energy Dependence and Challenges
Experts warn that 70% of Iran’s energy mix relies on natural gas, leaving the country vulnerable to supply and price fluctuations. To diversify, Iranian policymakers are expanding investment in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal projects.
The South Pars Gas Field, located in the Persian Gulf, remains the world’s largest natural gas field, containing about 8% of global reserves. The field is shared equally between Iran and Qatar, with a total area of 9,700 square kilometers—3,700 km² on the Iranian side and 6,000 km² on the Qatari side.
Iran’s proven natural gas reserves are estimated at 410 trillion cubic feet, while Qatar’s reach 900 trillion cubic feet. Iran also holds 16 billion barrels of gas condensates, compared to 33 billion barrels in Qatar.
Iran’s Golden Opportunity in Gas Exports to Turkey
WANA (Oct 05) – Turkey has requested a five-year extension of its gas contract with Iran, a deal that does not serve Iran’s long-term strategic interests. However, Tehran could use the negotiations to strengthen its influence in Turkey’s energy market and increase its foreign currency earnings. Iran’s 25-year gas export contract with Turkey is […]
Inefficiency and Energy Waste
Energy analysts note that Iran’s low domestic gas prices discourage efficiency. Many industrial, commercial, and household gas-burning systems operate at just 40–45% efficiency, leading to massive waste.
Additionally, the nationwide gas supply network, which extends even to remote villages, has increased distribution costs and energy loss. Experts suggest that if gas were instead used for electricity generation in modern power plants—and electricity supplied to homes—Iran could significantly improve efficiency and reduce waste.
From Honey Fields to Energy Capital
Once famous for its honey production, the Assaluyeh region, located at the southern edge of the Zagros Mountains, where land meets sea, has transformed into Iran’s energy capital, producing nearly 70% of the country’s total energy output.
While Iranian engineers work tirelessly to meet industrial and residential energy demands, officials continue to urge citizens and industries to use natural gas responsibly and efficiently, emphasizing that it is a national asset and part of the country’s public wealth (anfal) belonging to all generations of Iranians.
Environmental Measures
Authorities also highlight the importance of collecting flare and associated gases from oil and gas fields. Doing so, they say, would increase revenue while reducing air pollution in Assaluyeh and neighboring cities.
