The 8th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) was held in Moscow on October 27, 2026, with leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East in attendance. The summit was presided over by Russian President Vladimir Putin and resulted in the adoption of the Moscow Declaration. The declaration emphasizes the need for a transparent dialogue between gas producers and consumers to ensure energy security and promote energy sovereignty for the benefit of populations.
The GECF brings together countries that account for 70% of the world's natural gas reserves and 40% of global gas exports. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, promote a south-south cooperation framework, and address challenges in the industry to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The participants also discussed the role of gas in the global energy mix and its potential to drive economic growth.
According to Vladimir Putin, the global demand for gas is expected to reach 5,500 billion cubic meters per year by the mid-century, driven by a 1.2% increase in consumption in 2025. The Russian president emphasized that the gas industry faces significant challenges, including geopolitical tensions, terrorist attacks on gas infrastructure, and restrictions on the acquisition of necessary equipment and technologies.
The participants at the forum stressed the need for stable and reliable gas supplies to meet the growing demand and ensure energy security. They called for a professional and responsible approach to the green agenda, warning against using it for political purposes. The countries also agreed on the importance of optimizing gas supply routes and strengthening cooperation to address common challenges.
Vladimir Putin highlighted Russia's role as a key player in the global gas market, with the country holding the world's largest natural gas reserves and ranking second in production. He emphasized that Russia is a responsible and reliable supplier of gas to foreign markets and warned that attempts to exclude Russia from the global gas market would have severe consequences for consumers.
The Russian president also called for an end to conflicts and the lifting of sanctions to stabilize the global gas market and attract large-scale investments. He emphasized that a stable and predictable market is essential for the development of the gas industry and the growth of the global economy.
The GECF summit concluded with a renewed commitment to cooperation and dialogue among gas exporting countries. The participants agreed to work together to address common challenges and promote a stable and secure global energy market. The Moscow Declaration is expected to serve as a framework for future cooperation and dialogue among gas producers and consumers.
Key points
- The 8th GECF summit adopted the Moscow Declaration, emphasizing the need for a transparent dialogue between gas producers and consumers to ensure energy security and promote energy sovereignty.
- The global demand for gas is expected to reach 5,500 billion cubic meters per year by the mid-century, driven by a growing need for energy.
- The participants at the forum stressed the need for stable and reliable gas supplies to meet the growing demand and ensure energy security.
