Includes shale gas (extracted via horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing) and coalbed methane.

Used as fuel for trucks, trains, and shipping.

Natural gas cooled to -162°C, reducing its volume 600 times for transport via ships.

Mostly methane, but can include other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane, along with impurities like CO2cap C cap O sub 2 and hydrogen sulfide ( H2Scap H sub 2 cap S Forms: Conventional: Extracted through traditional wells.

Primary source for heating, cooking, and water heating.

Natural gas is an odorless, colorless gaseous hydrocarbon mixture, primarily composed of methane ( CH4cap C cap H sub 4

). It is a fossil fuel found deep underground, often alongside petroleum deposits, formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural gas, a cornerstone of the modern global energy system, covering its fundamentals, market dynamics, environmental impact, and future outlook as of April 2026. 1. What is Natural Gas?

Natural Gas Access

Includes shale gas (extracted via horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing) and coalbed methane.

Used as fuel for trucks, trains, and shipping.

Natural gas cooled to -162°C, reducing its volume 600 times for transport via ships. natural gas

Mostly methane, but can include other hydrocarbons like ethane, propane, and butane, along with impurities like CO2cap C cap O sub 2 and hydrogen sulfide ( H2Scap H sub 2 cap S Forms: Conventional: Extracted through traditional wells.

Primary source for heating, cooking, and water heating. Includes shale gas (extracted via horizontal drilling and

Natural gas is an odorless, colorless gaseous hydrocarbon mixture, primarily composed of methane ( CH4cap C cap H sub 4

). It is a fossil fuel found deep underground, often alongside petroleum deposits, formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter. Mostly methane, but can include other hydrocarbons like

This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural gas, a cornerstone of the modern global energy system, covering its fundamentals, market dynamics, environmental impact, and future outlook as of April 2026. 1. What is Natural Gas?