- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year.
Middle East & Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 10.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 7.4% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of the Middle East & Africa from 2015 to 2023 provides a detailed assessment of regional LNG import trends, trade movements, supply patterns, and the evolving role of LNG in meeting energy requirements.
Middle East & Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 13.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 10.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−25.5%), an average of −3.6% a year. The series high was 24.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 9.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020.
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2020) is 15.40 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +78.8% in 2016.
Within Middle East & Africa, Kuwait has the highest value in 2023 at 8.90 Billion Cubic Metres, 87.3% of the regional total.
Country ranking
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By region
Billion Cubic Metres, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 10.20 | +7.4% |
| 2022 | 9.50 | −1% |
| 2021 | 9.60 | +5.5% |
| 2020 Trough | 9.10 | −3.2% |
| 2019 | 9.40 | −24.8% |
| 2018 | 12.50 | −41.6% |
| 2017 | 21.40 | −12.7% |
| 2016Peak | 24.50 | +78.8% |
| 2015 | 13.70 | — |
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
Measured in million cubic metres (mcm), the dataset represents the annual volume of LNG imported across the region and serves as a key indicator for evaluating energy security, supply diversification, natural gas demand, and regional market dynamics.
Middle East & Africa LNG imports reached 13,700 mcm in 2015 and increased significantly to 24,500 mcm in 2016, driven by rising demand for imported gas supplies. Imports declined to 21,400 mcm in 2017 and further decreased to 12,500 mcm in 2018. The downward trend continued in 2019 and 2020, reaching 9,400 mcm and 9,100 mcm, respectively, before stabilizing at 9,600 mcm in 2021. Regional LNG imports remained steady at 9,500 mcm in 2022 and increased slightly to 10,200 mcm in 2023. Kuwait became a major LNG importer during the later period, while Egypt reduced imports significantly after 2018 due to increased domestic natural gas availability.
The overall trend highlights a transition from higher LNG import dependency toward greater utilization of domestic gas resources and improved supply capabilities. However, LNG continued to play an important role in supporting energy reliability, meeting seasonal electricity demand, and addressing temporary supply requirements in several countries. Growing power generation needs, industrial expansion, and efforts to strengthen energy security contributed to continued LNG trade activity.
This dataset provides valuable insights into Middle East & Africa LNG market developments, regional trade patterns, and future energy supply strategies. It supports market analysis, infrastructure planning, investment decisions, and policy evaluation by helping stakeholders understand LNG demand trends, import dependency, supply diversification, and the changing position of LNG within the regional energy landscape.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.
Middle East & Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 10.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 7.4% on 2022.
Middle East & Africa Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 13.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 10.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−25.5%), an average of −3.6% a year. The series high was 24.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 9.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020.
The highest value was 24.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the lowest was 9.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2020.
Included: The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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