Ranked: Countries with the largest natural gas reserves — and where Pakistan stands

Global natural gas reserves are highly concentrated in a small group of countries, a reality that continues to shape energy security, geopolitical influence, and fuel affordability worldwide. Recent rankings show that just three nations control more than half of the world’s proven gas reserves, giving them outsized leverage in global energy markets.

Top countries by proven natural gas reserves

(Trillion cubic feet – Tcf)

1. Russia — 1,320.5

2. Iran — 1,133.6

3. Qatar — 871.1

4. Turkmenistan — 480.3

5. United States — 445.6

6. China — 296.6

7. Venezuela — 221.1

8. Saudi Arabia — 212.6

9. United Arab Emirates — 209.7

10. Nigeria — 193.3

Together, Russia, Iran, and Qatar hold over 50 percent of global proven natural gas reserves, underscoring how energy power is concentrated among a few states. Analysts note that this concentration has become even more significant amid geopolitical tensions, supply disruptions, and growing demand for natural gas as a transition fuel away from coal.

Why these reserves matter now

Natural gas remains a critical source of electricity generation, industrial fuel, and household energy across much of the world. Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted European energy supplies, gas-rich countries have gained increased strategic importance, influencing global LNG trade routes, pricing, and diplomatic relationships.

As countries seek energy security and price stability, reserve size increasingly determines negotiating power in long-term supply contracts and infrastructure investments.

Where Pakistan stands

Pakistan ranks around 28th globally, with proven natural gas reserves of approximately 13.6 trillion cubic feet — a modest figure compared to major producers.

Despite limited reserves, natural gas remains central to Pakistan’s energy mix, supplying power plants, industries, and households. However, declining production from mature gas fields and rising demand have widened the supply gap, forcing the country to rely more heavily on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

This dependence has direct consequences for consumers. LNG imports expose Pakistan to global price volatility, contributing to higher electricity costs, industrial slowdowns, and periodic gas shortages during winter months.

Energy security versus reserves

Experts caution that large reserves do not automatically guarantee energy security, but they do provide flexibility. Countries with vast gas resources can stabilize domestic prices, secure exports, and use energy as a strategic tool. For Pakistan, limited reserves mean long-term energy planning will depend on a mix of imports, conservation, and exploration, alongside gradual diversification toward alternative energy sources.

As global demand for cleaner fuels continues and competition for LNG intensifies, the distribution of natural gas reserves is likely to remain a key factor shaping economic resilience, foreign policy, and everyday energy costs — especially for import-dependent countries.