- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year.
Middle East Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 131.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 1.4% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports dataset of the Middle East from 2015 to 2023 provides an overview of regional LNG export performance, highlighting export trends, trade developments, and the region's position in the global LNG market. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG exported across the Middle East.
Middle East Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 125.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 131.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+4.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 133.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022 and the low 122.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
The gap between the series high (2022) and low (2017) is 11.00 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +2.9% in 2018.
Within Middle East, Qatar has the highest value in 2023 at 108.4 Billion Cubic Metres, 82.5% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Billion Cubic Metres. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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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 | 131.4 | −1.4% |
| 2022Peak | 133.3 | +2.9% |
| 2021 | 129.6 | +1.8% |
| 2020 | 127.3 | −0.2% |
| 2019 | 127.5 | +1.3% |
| 2018 | 125.9 | +2.9% |
| 2017 Trough | 122.3 | −2.9% |
| 2016 | 126 | +0.5% |
| 2015 | 125.4 | — |
Data definition
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time.
The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
It serves as an important indicator of natural gas production, liquefaction capacity, export competitiveness, and the contribution of LNG exports to regional energy trade.
The Middle East exported 125.4 bcm of LNG in 2015, increasing slightly to 126.0 bcm in 2016 before declining to 122.3 bcm in 2017. Exports recovered to 125.9 bcm in 2018 and continued to 127.5 bcm in 2019, followed by 127.3 bcm in 2020. Regional exports increased to 129.6 bcm in 2021, reached 133.3 bcm in 2022, and recorded 131.4 bcm in 2023. Qatar remained the region's dominant LNG exporter throughout the period, with exports exceeding 100 bcm annually and reaching 108.4 bcm in 2023. Oman maintained stable export levels, rising from 10.2 bcm in 2015 to 15.3 bcm in 2023, while the UAE exported 7.7 bcm in 2023. Yemen recorded 1.9 bcm of exports in 2015, with no reported exports in subsequent years.
Overall, the dataset indicates relatively stable LNG exports across the Middle East, supported by Qatar's large-scale liquefaction capacity and consistent international demand. Moderate growth during the period reflects capacity expansions, reliable production, and the region's continued importance as a leading global LNG supplier.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the Middle East LNG export outlook, analyzing regional trade dynamics, and assessing future export opportunities. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights into LNG trade, export capacity, market competitiveness, and the evolving role of the Middle East in the global natural gas industry.
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Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas shipped from a country to international markets during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state for 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 quantity of domestically produced natural gas exported in liquefied form. LNG Exports are an important measure of a country's natural gas production capacity, export infrastructure, participation in global LNG trade, and contribution to international energy markets.
Middle East Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports was 131.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, down 1.4% on 2022.
Middle East Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Exports moved from 125.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 131.4 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (+4.8%), an average of +0.6% a year. The series high was 133.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022 and the low 122.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
The highest value was 133.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022 and the lowest was 122.3 Billion Cubic Metres in 2017.
Included: The data includes all LNG cargoes exported from liquefaction terminals to international destinations under long-term contracts, spot market sales, and short-term trade agreements. It covers LNG produced from both associated and non-associated natural gas fields after processing, purification, and liquefaction. The indicator includes exports transported by specialized LNG carriers to importing countries and reflects LNG supplied to global markets regardless of the final destination. Export volumes are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs records, port authority data, and national energy reporting methodologies, ensuring consistent comparison of LNG export volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes pipeline natural gas exports, domestically consumed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not exported in liquefied natural gas form. It also excludes LNG imports, domestic LNG storage, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, and transit shipments that do not originate from domestic liquefaction facilities. The indicator does not measure liquefaction capacity, terminal utilization rates, natural gas production, export revenues, or the economic value of LNG exports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, cargo accounting methods, 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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