Amira Remadna. Energy Data Analyst | GECF | Data and Information Services Department
As per reference to GECF Annual Statistical Bulletin 2017 edition, the total certified world Natural Gas Proved Reserves at the end of the year 2016 was 193.4 Trillion cubic metres (Tcm). Compared to 2009, this level marks an increase of 5.7 Tcm. During the period 2009-2016, the share of GECF countries evolved steadily maintaining a percentage that exceeds 70% of worldwide totals.
The breakdown by region let to conclude that the Middle East represents the most dominant region with a worldwide share that exceeds 41%, followed by Europe and Eurasia, with a cumulative portion of 33.6%. The American continent holds 10% of the total world volumes, split into 6% in North America, and 4% in Latin America. Asia is represented with a share of 8% in the global world mix while Africa retains 7% within this total. (Graph.1).
The GECF shares per region
The distribution of GECF countries Gas Proved Reserves by region at end of 2016 is highlighted in Graph.2. In the Middle East, GECF is represented mainly by five countries (Iran, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Oman) with a regional share of more than 86%. In both Europe and Eurasia GECF volumes, held by four countries (Russian Federation, Norway, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan), reached a regional percentage of 74%. Within the African continent, this portion raised to more than 92%, dominated essentially by five GECF countries (Algeria, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Nigeria). GECF is represented in Latin America by four countries (Venezuela, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago and Peru), altogether cumulated 88% of this region total. Currently, GECF has no figures to display in Asia Pacific and North America regions.
The world Top 10 and Top 20
In 2016, the world Top 20 countries represented 91% of the total world Gas Proved Reserves whereas the world Top 10 countries owned 81% of the global shares. Within this pattern, the share of GECF countries is reflected through a percentage of 74% in the world Top 20 and 81% in the world Top 10. (Graph.3 and Graph.4).
As a summary, taking into consideration the above highlighted figures in terms of Gas Proved Reserves; GECF Countries are represented with a prominent participation in the global Gas Upstream.