Global natural gas production change 2022-2023, by country

The United States, which was the world's leading natural gas-producing country in 2023 increased annual production by 42 billion cubic meters in 2023. Of the leading natural gas producing countries in the world, Russia had the largest year-over-year decrease that year, at nearly 32 billion cubic meters. This was largely a reflection of sanctions imposed following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

The U.S. natural gas industry

The total volume of natural gas produced worldwide amounted to 4.08 trillion cubic meters in 2023. The U.S. is not only the world’s largest natural gas-producing country, it is also the largest exporter of natural gas (including liquefied natural gas). Nevertheless, the largest share of gas produced in the country is consumed domestically.

U.S. shale gas revolution

Due to advances in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) technology and horizontal drilling, shale gas resources in the U.S. became economically feasible to develop. Shale gas production has also offset production declines from conventional resources in the country. This development has increased U.S. natural gas reserves considerably.