| Global Energy Statistical Yearbook 2011

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Total energy

Crude oil

Oil products

Natural gas

Coal, lignite

Power

Renewables

CO₂ fuel combustion

Ranking major countries

Glossary

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Sources

Previous yearbook

2010 IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF NATURAL GAS

Europe is the world’s largest gas importer: it concentrated almost half of total imports in 2010. The region's position as a net importer was worsened by 7.6% since gas imports grew more rapidly than exports during the year.

Asia's position as a net importer further deteriorated by 27.5% since gas imports surged by 19%, twice as fast as exports. China, which became a net importer in 2007, saw its net imports increase threefold, since imports were multiplied by 2.2, while exports decreased by 4%. Conversely, the United States reduced its position as a net importer by 4.5% in 2010 through a reduction in gas imports.

Russia was confirmed as the world’s largest gas exporter and deepened its position as a net exporter of gas by 18% in 2010. The Middle East also strengthened its position as a gas exporter through a 40% increase in net exports. Latin America became net importer of gas in 2010.