The integration of the gas sector in Latin America and the Caribbean is mainly concentrated in the Southern Cone, where Bolivia exports natural gas to Brazil and Argentina, and Argentina exports natural gas to Uruguay, Chile and Brazil. Mexico imports natural gas from the United States through several pipelines, while connections from Colombia and Venezuela are inactive. The region presents an uneven development in the gas sector, with varied production, consumption and marketing profiles. Proven natural gas reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean amount to 285.2 trillion cubic feet, representing more than 4% globally, with Venezuela concentrating more than three-quarters of these reserves.
In terms of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, Latin America has two liquefaction plants: Atlantic LNG in Trinidad and Tobago (14.80 MTPA) and Pampa Melchorita in Peru (4.45 MTPA). In addition, there are more than 20 regasification terminals with a total capacity of approximately 70 MTPA, distributed in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, and Ecuador, El Salvador and Nicaragua are expected to be added soon. Modernization of regional and national regulation is essential to ensure reliability of supply and market efficiency. Regulatory convergence and joint regional planning are crucial to maximise the economic benefits of integration, allowing the region to work as a united bloc in project planning and development. How will the region maximize its natural gas assets by balancing energy security, affordable costs, and climate commitments?
