10 African countries using the least natural gas in 2025

Despite vast reserves, natural gas consumption remains low in many African countries due to inadequate infrastructure and policy gaps. In 2025, several nations on the continent ranked among the world’s lowest consumers of natural gas, reflecting varied domestic energy systems, limited industrial development, and export-driven production strategies.

The limited use of natural gas affects multiple sectors, including manufacturing, power generation, and petrochemicals, where it is a cost-effective and efficient energy source. Its underutilisation increases reliance on more expensive and less reliable alternatives, reducing industrial competitiveness and productivity.

Read also: Top 10 African countries fueling natural gas demand in 2025

Low consumption also contributes to power shortages, high electricity costs, and unstable supply, which can delay economic activity and affect daily operations for businesses and households. In response, many countries rely on diesel, coal, and firewood, worsening carbon emissions, deforestation, and health concerns.

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In many homes, cooking still depends on charcoal and firewood, increasing indoor air pollution. Industries like fertiliser and chemical production also face challenges operating under such energy constraints.

Read also: Top 10 countries where cooking gas costs the least in 2025

According to data from Global Firepower, here are the top 10 African countries using the least natural gas in 2025

1. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) — 380,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 110th

The DRC has the lowest natural gas consumption in Africa in 2025. Despite its large population and rich natural resources, gas remains a limited part of its energy use. The country relies heavily on hydropower and biomass for electricity and cooking.

2. Niger — 28,858,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 107th

Niger’s low consumption is tied to limited gas infrastructure and its reliance on other energy sources such as diesel, fuelwood, and solar energy. Efforts to explore domestic gas reserves have not yet translated into high consumption levels.

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Read also: 10 African countries with the costliest fuel prices at the start of 2025

3. Senegal — 54,598,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 105th

Senegal’s natural gas use remains relatively low despite recent offshore discoveries. Gas-to-power projects are still developing, and the country’s transition into a gas economy is gradual.

4. Benin — 182,131,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 100th

Benin relies on imports and cross-border energy cooperation, particularly with Nigeria. Domestic gas infrastructure is expanding slowly, which contributes to its lower ranking in global consumption.

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Read also: Top 10 countries where cooking gas costs the least in 2025

5. Morocco — 243,201,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 97th

Morocco has focused largely on renewable energy, particularly solar and wind. Its limited natural gas reserves and reliance on Algerian imports, which have been affected by political dynamics, influence its current consumption levels.

6. Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) — 423,000,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 92nd

Although the country is a gas producer, a large portion of its gas output is exported. Domestic consumption is relatively low, and flaring remains an issue.

Read also: Nigeria among top 10 African countries with cheap fuel prices in 2025

7. Gabon — 463,000,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 90th

Gabon is another producer with low domestic utilisation. The country is yet to fully develop infrastructure for gas processing and distribution within its borders.

8. Cameroon — 877,058,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 85th

Cameroon consumes more gas than several others on this list but still falls among the continent’s lowest. Most of its gas is used in power generation, with limited use in households and transport.

Read also: Top 10 African countries with the costliest diesel at the start of 2025

9. Mozambique — 1,347,000,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 82nd

Mozambique holds vast natural gas reserves, but domestic consumption remains low. Much of the gas is geared towards export markets through liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

10. Angola — 1,397,000,000 Cu.M
Global rank: 81st

Angola rounds out the list. The country has increased investment in gas infrastructure, but domestic use is still moderate, with most gas directed toward oil production and export.