The International Energy Agency predicts a decrease in global demand for gas in 2026 by 1.5%, or almost 65 billion cubic meters. m, according to the IEA report on the gas market. According to the agency's estimates, the demand could reach 4.22 trillion cubic meters compared to 4.29 trillion cubic meters. m in 2025, and this will be the third annual decrease in the last decade. During the first 9 months of the year, global gas consumption has already decreased by more than 1%, or 35 billion cubic meters. from. The reason was a drop in demand in the Middle East and a drop in gas usage due to price increases in key LNG import markets in Asia and Europe. Higher gas prices have led to a shift from gas to coal in many Asian markets and negatively impacted consumption in energy and gas-intensive industries, including fertilizer production. Gas demand in Europe will decrease by 3% in 2026 due to increased electricity generation from renewable energy sources and higher gas prices. In North America, gas consumption will increase by 0.5%. Gas demand in Asia will decrease by 1.5%. In the Middle East, gas consumption will drop by 10% due to military conflict. In Eurasia, on the contrary, demand will increase by more than 1.5%. In Africa, gas demand is expected to grow by 5%, while in Central and South America it will grow by 1%. Energopol in Max "Energy Policy" site.