The Global Natural Gas Market

Abstract

Global natural gas consumption, both in absolute terms and as a share of the energy usage mix, is continuing to grow. This growth has been driven primarily by changes in patterns of economic activity, energy intensity and energy substitution. Of these, the primary driver has been the switch to natural gas from other sources, primarily oil. Natural gas prices have consistently remained high in recent years, but despite this and the fact that gas has not been given any major preferential advantage compared to other energies, there has been no marked dampening of demand.