KAPSARC – Gas Demand in the MENA Hydrocarbon Producing Countries, Aug 2024

Natural gas demand in the MENA region has significantly increased in recent years, reaching over 700 bcm in 2022, accounting for 17% of global consumption. This has led to a focus on understanding trends and drivers affecting gas demand, especially in hydrocarbon-producing countries like GCC and North Africa. The commentary specifically looks at eight countries in the region, including the challenges they face in economic development, population growth, and energy requirements. Despite high gas production levels, domestic demand has strained their supply, leading to imports in countries like the UAE, Egypt, Oman, and Kuwait. The paper will examine historical demand patterns post-2010, sectoral trends, macroeconomic indicators, demographic factors, gas prices, policy drivers, and the impact on power generation and industrial sectors in these countries.