Qatar Set to Become Middle East’s Top Gas Producer by 2030s

Qatar is on course to overtake Iran and become the Middle East’s largest natural gas producer by the early 2030s, according to a new report released by global consultancy firm Rystad Energy.

The Gulf state’s rapid growth in production is being driven by the ambitious North Field expansion, which will significantly boost output and strengthen Qatar’s position as a global energy leader.

Rystad forecasts a 50% increase in Qatar’s gas production, rising from the current 16 billion cubic feet per day (Bcfd) to 24 Bcfd, thanks to ongoing developments in the world’s largest non-associated gas field, shared with Iran.

Currently, Iran leads the region with 25 Bcfd, while Qatar contributes 16 Bcfd and Saudi Arabia 8 Bcfd. However, with multiple expansion phases underway, Qatar is expected to take the lead in the next decade.

In a major move earlier this year, QatarEnergy unveiled plans for North Field West, aiming to push LNG production from 77 to 142 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030 — an impressive 85% increase.

The Middle East as a region is also on a steady growth path. By 2025, it's expected to surpass Asia in gas production, with Qatar driving nearly 80% of the region’s upcoming capacity increase. Out of the 60 mtpa new production anticipated in the Middle East by 2028, 48 mtpa will come from Qatar alone.

The expansion follows the discovery of an additional 240 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the North Field, increasing Qatar’s total reserves to over 2,000 trillion cubic feet.

Qatar currently contributes 18.8% of global LNG exports, having shipped over 77 million tonnes in 2024, primarily to Asia (Japan, China) and a growing market in Europe, which continues to seek alternatives to Russian supplies.

QatarEnergy has secured global partnerships with leading energy firms such as Shell, ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Eni, and ConocoPhillips to support the expansion — expected to deliver 40% of all new LNG supply globally by the end of this decade.

This bold strategy is cementing Qatar’s role as a global energy powerhouse and a key LNG supplier in the world’s evolving energy landscape.

(DOHA NEWS & RYSTAD ENERGY)