- 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.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 1.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 22.2% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of the UAE from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s LNG import patterns, highlighting import trends, supply developments, and changes across the natural gas sector. Measured in million cubic metres (mcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG imported into the UAE.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 2.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 1.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−62.1%), an average of −11.4% a year. The series high was 4.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 0.900 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022.
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2022) is 3.30 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was −66.7% in 2018.
Among the 22 countries in this dataset, UAE ranks 19 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and Japan (90.30 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 0.2% of the global total in 2023.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.10 | +22.2% |
| 2022 Trough | 0.900 | −47.1% |
| 2021 | 1.70 | +13.3% |
| 2020 | 1.50 | −6.3% |
| 2019 | 1.60 | +60% |
| 2018 | 1.00 | −66.7% |
| 2017 | 3.00 | −28.6% |
| 2016Peak | 4.20 | +44.8% |
| 2015 | 2.90 | — |
Regional context
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. UAE is highlighted.
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.
It serves as an important indicator of seasonal gas demand, electricity generation requirements, industrial consumption, and the role of LNG in balancing domestic natural gas supply.
The UAE imported 2,900 mcm of LNG in 2015, increasing to 4,200 mcm in 2016 before declining to 3,000 mcm in 2017. Imports fell sharply to 1,000 mcm in 2018 and recovered modestly to 1,600 mcm in 2019. LNG imports remained relatively stable at 1,500 mcm in 2020, increased to 1,700 mcm in 2021, declined to 900 mcm in 2022, and recovered slightly to 1,100 mcm in 2023.
Overall, the dataset indicates fluctuating LNG import volumes throughout the review period. Import trends reflected changes in domestic natural gas production, seasonal electricity demand, optimization of gas supply sources, and the availability of pipeline gas. The decline after the 2016 peak highlights the UAE’s increasing focus on strengthening domestic gas production while continuing to use LNG imports to address temporary supply-demand imbalances and ensure energy security.
The dataset is valuable for evaluating the UAE’s LNG import outlook, analyzing import dynamics, and assessing future energy requirements. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, analysts, and policymakers monitoring energy security, LNG trade trends, supply flexibility, and the evolving role of imported natural gas in the UAE’s energy landscape.
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
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.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 1.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 22.2% on 2022.
UAE Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 2.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 1.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−62.1%), an average of −11.4% a year. The series high was 4.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 0.900 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022.
The highest value was 4.20 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the lowest was 0.900 Billion Cubic Metres in 2022.
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.
Need more data?
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.