For the fourth consecutive year, global natural gas production grew in 2006 above the 10-year average, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2007. BP, which reviewed oil and gas output and consumption data through the end of last year, documented a 26.3 billion-cubic-meter (Bcm) gas inventory build in the United States, the European Union and Russia alone.

North American proved reserves totaled 7.98 Tcf at the end of 2006, led by the United States, which accounted for 5.93 Tcf. Canada’s proved reserves reached 1.67 Tcf, and Mexico provided 0.39 Tcf of proved reserves last year. Worldwide, proved reserves totaled 6,405.48 Tcf.

Gas output last year in North American rose 2.3% from 2005, according to BP. Gas operators in the United States produced 524.1 Bcm, while in Canada, output reached 187 Bcm; Mexico’s was 43.4 Bcm. Total North American oil equivalent last year also rose 2.3%, with the United States producing 479.3 million tons of oil equivalent (MMtoe). Canada produced 168.3 MMtoe and Mexico produced 39 MMtoe.

Total North American gas consumption was up 0.1% in 2006, but in the United States, consumption fell 1.7% to 619.7 Bcm. In Canada, gas consumption rose 5.7% to 96.6 Bcm, and in Mexico, consumption was up 13.6% to 54.1 Bcm.

BP’s complete report may be downloaded at www.bp.com.

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