In 2022, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region contributed significantly to the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market, supplying almost one-third (29%) of the world’s LNG exports, as reported by the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL). However, this share represents a decline from 47% in 2013, attributed to the rise in LNG exports from Australia and the United States.
Qatar emerged as the leading contributor, accounting for 70% of the regional share in 2022 and ranking among the top three global LNG exporters. Over the past decade, Qatar maintained an average daily export of 10.3 billion cubic feet (Bcf/d). Following Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured their positions as the second- and third-largest LNG exporters in the Middle East, respectively.
Oman, entering the LNG market in 2000, has consistently exported around 1.2 Bcf/d over the last ten years. The UAE, particularly the emirate of Abu Dhabi, initiated LNG exports in 1977, averaging 0.7 Bcf/d during the same period. Yemen, which began LNG exports in 2010, faced a suspension in May 2015 due to a military conflict.
Moving to North Africa, Algeria and Egypt are the sole LNG exporters in the region. Algeria, a pioneer in LNG exports with over 40 years of history, has maintained stability, ranging from 1.3 Bcf/d to 1.7 Bcf/d in the last decade.
Egypt, exporting 0.9 Bcf/d in both 2021 and 2022, experiences fluctuations based on domestic production, demand, and regional imports via pipelines. Despite suspending LNG exports in 2015 due to increased domestic consumption and decreased production, recent years have seen a revival. Egypt imports natural gas from Israel through the East Mediterranean Gas (EMG) and the Arab Gas Pipeline (AGP).
LNG exports from Egypt peak during low domestic demand in winter. From November 2022 to March 2023, Egypt’s LNG exports averaged 2.0 Bcf/d, according to data from CEDIGAZ. The majority of MENA’s LNG exports, approximately 65% (9.7 Bcf/d) in 2022, are directed to South Asia and East Asia. Over the past decade, this share has remained relatively consistent, ranging between 60% and 70%. Europe receives a varying share, accounting for 30% of total MENA LNG exports in 2022, with volumes ranging from 3.5 Bcf/d to 4.8 Bcf/d over the past decade. Additionally, up to 4% of exports from MENA find their way to Kuwait and the UAE, specifically the emirate of Dubai.