Opportunities for the Development of Gas in Latin America and the Caribbean

Latin America and the Caribbean hold abundant underdeveloped natural gas resources that, if effectively developed and monetised, can provide multiple benefits to the region and world. Despite this potential, Latin America and the Caribbean account for a relatively small share of global natural gas production (approximately 5%). From a supply-side perspective, the monetisation of the region’s natural gas reserves can drive economic growth, strengthen the trade balance through higher exports and reduced imports, and support social development by expanding access to cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy.
 
Despite this broad set of opportunities, the expansion and strategic use of natural gas in Latin America and the Caribbean face several challenges. Regulatory heterogeneity across countries, limited access to long-term financing, and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to constrain the development of regional Gas markets. Addressing these barriers will require stronger regional cooperation, more predictable energy policies, and innovative financing mechanisms that can mobilise both public and private capital.