List of countries by natural gas proven reserves

This is a list of countries by natural gas proven reserves based on CIA The World Factbook (when no citation is given).[1] or other authoritative third-party sources (as cited). Based on data from EIA, at the start of 2021, proved gas reserves were dominated by three countries: Iran, Russia, and Qatar.

Trends in the five countries with largest proven reserves of natural gas, according to the US Energy Information Administration

Countries by natural gas proven reserves (2014), based on data from CIA The World Factbook

Countries by natural gas and oil proven reserves (2015)

World natural gas proven reserves 1960–2012 (OPEC)

There is some disagreement on which country has the largest proven gas reserves. Sources that consider that Russia has by far the largest proven reserves include the US CIA (47600 cubic kilometers),[2] the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) (49000 km³),[3] and OPEC (48810 km³).[4] However, BP credits Russia with only 32900 km³,[5] which would place it in second place, slightly behind Iran (33100 to 33800 km³, depending on the source).

Due to constant announcements of shale gas recoverable reserves, as well as drilling in Central Asia, South America and Africa, deepwater drilling, estimates are undergoing frequent updates, mostly increasing. Since 2000, some countries, notably the US and Canada, have seen large increases in proved gas reserves due to development of shale gas, but shale gas deposits in most countries are yet to be added to reserve calculations.