Natural gas consumption continued to increase across the world in May and exports were up to meet demand, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

IEA in its latest monthly report said gross natural gas consumption increased 7.4% year/year to 125.9 million cubic meters (MMcm) in developed nations, defined as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) members. While natural gas demand has increased slightly throughout the pandemic, it’s seen another bump this year as economies rebound from the Covid-19 virus.

IEA said consumption was up 4.6% year-to-date through May. Exports were also up to match that growth. 

Total OECD exports grew by 3.7% year/year in May to about 65 MMcm, IEA researchers said. The increase was largely driven by exports...