Panorama 2009 - outlook for the natural gas industry

World consumption of natural gas continued to climb in 2007, but with significant variations depending on the geographical region. The market is expected to keep growing for years, albeit at a slower rate due to the competition with coal, because of the specific advantages that natural gas brings to the energy mix. Consumption may be inhibited by the global financial and economic crisis. By 2030, gas supply and demand will diverge widely at regional level. Considering the uncertainties associated with key markets like the United States, Europe and Russia, it is imperative to develop appropriate strategies to meet the justifiable need to ensure the security of each link in the gas supply chain