Mideast plans big spending on gas to meet demand

The region’s gas producers are investing heavily in the fuel in order to satisfy burgeoning demand resulting from economic growth and a shift to cleaner fuels

The Middle East’s gas consumption has increased by more than 145bcm/yr over the last decade, surpassing 590bcm/yr in 2024, according to the Energy Institute. Demand could surpass 860bcm/yr by 2050, analysts say, owing to economic expansion and a shift towards cleaner-burning and more economical feedstock for power generation, according to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.   Since the region contains ample gas supplies, Middle Eastern producers have spent significant capital, and will continue to do so, to increase gas production to satisfy future demand. The region invests roughly $60–70b/yr in the gas sector, with new investments focused primarily on LNG, sour gas and unconventionals, acco