Natural gas is one of the world’s most important energy resources—cleaner-burning than coal and oil, and a reliable source of heat, electricity, and industrial power. But where does it actually come from?

Let’s explore where natural gas is found, both on a global scale and right here in the U.S.

Global Reserves: The Big Picture

Natural gas is formed deep beneath the earth’s surface over millions of years, as organic material is exposed to heat and pressure. Today, global reserves are concentrated in a handful of regions with the right geological conditions.

The top three countries with the largest proven natural gas reserves are:

• Russia – With vast underground basins in Siberia, Russia holds nearly 20% of the world’s known reserves.
  
  
• Iran – The South Pars/North Dome field, shared with Qatar, is the largest gas field in the world.
  
  
• Qatar – Together with Iran, Qatar taps into this massive reserve and is one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
  
  

Other major reserve-holders include the United States, Turkmenistan, and Saudi Arabia. These countries play a key role in the global natural gas market, impacting supply, pricing, and energy security.

Natural Gas in the U.S.

The United States is not only one of the top producers of natural gas—it’s also home to significant reserves spread across multiple regions. Key U.S. sources include:

• The Marcellus Shale (Appalachia) – Stretching across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio, this is one of the most productive natural gas fields in North America.
  
  
• The Permian Basin (Texas and New Mexico) – Known for oil, but it also produces significant amounts of natural gas.
  
  
• Haynesville Shale (Louisiana and East Texas) – A rapidly growing region for dry gas production.
  
  

Thanks to advanced drilling techniques like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, these reserves have become increasingly accessible, helping the U.S. become a net exporter of natural gas in recent years.

Local Sources & Distribution

While natural gas is extracted in specific regions, it’s distributed widely through an intricate network of pipelines. Local utilities and marketers deliver this energy directly to homes, schools, and businesses for heating, cooking, and more.

Even if your area doesn’t have a gas field nearby, natural gas is likely flowing under your feet—thanks to this vast infrastructure.

Natural gas is found all over the world, but key reserves are concentrated in regions with the right geological makeup. From Russia and the Middle East to the shale-rich basins of the United States, natural gas plays a vital role in meeting global energy needs. And through modern distribution systems, it's brought safely and efficiently to communities everywhere.