What is the projected global natural gas investment in 2026, and how does it compare to recent historical levels?

Global investment in natural gas projects is set to rise by more than 10% in 2026 to $330 billion, marking its highest level in 10 years, according to the International Energy Agency's World Energy Investment 2026 report.

How is the ongoing Iran war affecting global energy investment patterns, particularly in the Middle East and other regions?

The Iran war has disrupted global energy markets by halting tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and causing production stoppages across the Middle East, leading producer and consumer countries to intensify efforts to diversify trade routes and energy sources; as a result, Middle East oil and gas investment is expected to fall 1% in 2026 due to damage, lower revenue, and production stoppages, while upstream investment in Africa, Central and South America will jump more than 10% as ongoing projects gain momentum.

Natural gas spending to hit 10-year high in 2026 as oil investment falls, IEA says

May 27, 2026

The IEA reports global natural gas investment will surge over 10% to $330 billion in 2026, reaching a decade-high despite declining upstream oil spending. Middle East disruptions are accelerating shifts toward renewables, LNG, and diversified supply security.

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