MENA's gas metamorphosis

Across the Middle East and North Africa, gas is taking an enhanced role in helping build out economies that need to diversify away from crude oil dependence

Once the unloved cousin in a regional energy mix dominated by abundant supplies of crude oil, gas has barged its way to the top of the agenda in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Gas now accounts for more than half of the MENA energy mix, and the region is now responsible for almost 18% of global gas consumption, the third-largest share behind North America and Asia-Pacific.  Where oil’s importance to the MENA region once left the impression gas was a marginal business—reflecting the reality that more economic rent is generated from the sale of crude barrels—over the last few years attention has turned towards the exploitation of gas. “MENA has been leveraging gas as much as pos