MOSCOW, October 27. /TASS/. The role of natural gas as a pillar of the global energy sector, industry, and the agricultural sector will only continue to strengthen, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit.
Last year natural gas consumption grew by 1.2% to 4.2 trillion cubic meters, he said, adding that those trends are expected to continue, with global demand for gas projected to rise to 5.5 trillion cubic meters per year.
"Consequently, the role of natural gas as a pillar of the global energy sector, industry, and the agricultural sector, will only continue to strengthen," the Russian leader said.
"This is a serious challenge for the gas industry, especially considering the upheavals it is currently experiencing," he added.