Gas consumption falls in several regions of the world

Gas consumption fell sharply in January in several parts of the world, particularly in the European Union and the United Kingdom, due to mild temperatures and the rise of renewable energy.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

A report by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) released on Wednesday, February 16, 2023, indicates that gas consumption fell sharply in January in several regions of the world. In fact, the European Union and the United Kingdom have seen gas consumption fall by 19% and 16% respectively. This was largely due to above normal seasonal temperatures, which reduced heating demand. In addition, energy conservation efforts and high European market prices have contributed to curbing gas consumption in the EU. The report also highlights that hydro, wind and solar power generation have grown significantly in the UK.

 

The impact of weather conditions on gas consumption

The GECF report, which is based on the Opec report, points out that weather conditions have a significant impact on gas consumption. In the United States, mild temperatures and the industrial slowdown are cited as reasons for an 8.8% drop in gas consumption to 92 bcm. The report also reviews several Asian countries, but on heterogeneous comparative bases.

 

Changes in gas production in Europe

The report highlights that in the European Union, gas used in power plants decreased by 13% in January over a year, to the benefit of coal (+24%) and hydro (+8%). In addition, Russian gas deliveries via pipelines fell by 58% compared to the average for the period 2019 to 2021, while Norwegian gas became the leading pipeline supplier in 2022, providing 47% of deliveries.

 

Forecasts for the liquefied natural gas market

The global liquefied natural gas market, under pressure since the war in Ukraine, is expected to remain tight until the end of 2025 due to strong European demand. However, it could find itself in overcapacity after that period, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) think tank.

 

The GECF report is the first of its kind for this group of gas producing countries formed around Qatar. It highlights changes in gas consumption and production in several regions of the world, and offers forecasts for the liquefied natural gas market. GECF members, which include twelve member states, claim 72% of the world’s reserves and 44% of the world’s sold gas production.

Russian pipeline gas exports to China rose by 21.3% over seven months, contrasting with a 7.6% drop in oil shipments during the same period.
The group announces an interim dividend of 53 cps, production of 548 Mboe/d, a unit cost of $7.7/boe and major milestones on Scarborough, Trion, Beaumont and Louisiana LNG, while strengthening liquidity and financial discipline.
Norway’s combined oil and gas production exceeded official forecasts by 3.9% in July, according to preliminary data from the regulator.
Gunvor commits to 0.85 million tonnes per year of liquefied natural gas from AMIGO LNG, marking a strategic step forward for Asian and Latin American supply via the Guaymas terminal.
Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy merge to create a $15.4 billion regulated energy group, operating in eight states with 2.1 million customers and a doubled rate base.
The Pimienta and Eagle Ford formations are identified as pillars of Pemex’s 2025-2035 strategic plan, with potential of more than 250,000 barrels of liquids per day and 500 million cubic feet of gas by 2030.
Karpowership and Seatrium formalize a strategic partnership to convert floating LNG units, strengthening their joint offering in emerging mobile electricity markets.
Africa Energy strengthens its position in the gas-rich Block 11B/12B by restructuring its capital and reinforcing strategic governance, while showing a clear improvement in financial performance in Q2 2025.
Aramco finalizes a strategic agreement with an international consortium led by GIP, valuing its midstream gas assets in Jafurah at $11 billion through a lease and leaseback contract.
Moscow is preparing to develop gas turbines exceeding 300 MW while strengthening existing capacities and positioning itself against the most high-performing models worldwide.
Symbion Power announces a $700 M investment for a 140 MW plant on Lake Kivu, contingent on full enforcement of the cease-fire signed between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
After a prolonged technical shutdown, the Greek floating terminal resumes operations at 25% capacity, with near-saturated reserved capacity and an expanded role in exports to Southeast Europe.
The Australian gas giant extends due diligence period until August 22 for the Emirati consortium's $18.7 billion offer, while national energy security concerns persist.
AMIGO LNG has awarded COMSA Marine the engineering and construction contract for its marine facilities in Guaymas, as part of its 7.8 MTPA liquefied natural gas export terminal.
Petrus Resources reports a 3% increase in production in the second quarter of 2025, while reducing operating costs and maintaining its annual production and investment forecasts.
Jihadist attacks in Cabo Delgado displaced 59,000 people in July, threatening the restart of the $20 billion gas project planned for August 2025.
Cross-border gas flows decline from 7.3 to 6.9 billion cubic feet per day between May and July, revealing major structural vulnerabilities in Mexico's energy system.
Giant discoveries are transforming the Black Sea into an alternative to Russian gas, despite colossal technical challenges related to hydrogen sulfide and Ukrainian geopolitical tensions.
The Israeli group NewMed Energy has signed a natural gas export contract worth $35bn with Egypt, covering 130bn cubic metres to be delivered by 2040.
TotalEnergies completed the sale of its 45% stake in two unconventional hydrocarbon concessions to YPF in Argentina for USD 500 mn, marking a key milestone in the management of its portfolio in South America.
Consent Preferences