Top 10 Countries by Oil and Gas Reserves in 2025

The global race for energy dominance continues to shape geopolitical landscapes in 2025. At the heart of this competition lies control over oil and natural gas reserves, which remain the backbone of the world’s energy system despite the rise of renewable alternatives. While consumption patterns are evolving and green energy investments are expanding, fossil fuels still play a central role in powering economies, manufacturing, and transportation.

In this detailed analysis, we explore the top 10 countries with the largest proven oil and gas reserves in 2025, highlighting their strategic importance, economic influence, and the geopolitical weight they carry in the global energy market.

Certainly! Here’s a simple, clean table summarizing the Top 10 Countries by Oil and Gas Reserves in 2025 for easy reference.

Top 10 Countries by Oil and Gas Reserves in 2025

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1. Venezuela: A Resource Giant Struggling with Utilization

Venezuela continues to hold the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world, estimated at over 300 billion barrels. These vast reserves are primarily located in the Orinoco Belt, a region rich in extra-heavy crude oil. Despite its abundance, Venezuela’s capacity to extract and refine oil remains heavily constrained due to economic instability, sanctions, and deteriorating infrastructure.

In terms of natural gas, Venezuela also boasts significant reserves—among the largest in Latin America—but development remains slow. The country’s current challenge lies in reviving investment and technology partnerships to fully utilize its hydrocarbon wealth.

2. Saudi Arabia: Energy Superpower and OPEC Leader

Saudi Arabia remains one of the most influential players in global energy markets. With oil reserves exceeding 267 billion barrels, concentrated mainly in the Ghawar Field, the kingdom plays a pivotal role in OPEC’s output decisions and global price stability.

On the gas front, Saudi Arabia possesses over 300 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, much of which is still being explored and commercialized through the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. The country’s massive state-owned firm, Saudi Aramco, continues to be the most valuable energy company in the world, driving long-term investments in both oil and gas infrastructure.

3. Iran: Sanctions-Limited but Rich in Resources

Iran’s combined oil and gas reserves place it among the top three globally. With over 155 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and more than 1,200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, Iran’s resource potential is enormous. The South Pars/North Dome field, shared with Qatar, is the world’s largest natural gas field.

However, Iran’s energy ambitions are hindered by U.S. and international sanctions, restricting foreign investment, exports, and access to global markets. Despite these challenges, Iran continues to focus on domestic production growth and regional energy alliances.

4. Russia: A Strategic Energy Powerhouse

Russia is one of the world’s most energy-rich nations, holding about 107 billion barrels of oil reserves and more than 1,300 trillion cubic feet of natural gas—the largest proven natural gas reserves globally. The country’s hydrocarbon fields stretch from Siberia to the Arctic shelf, offering diverse and long-term energy resources.

In 2025, Russia’s global gas exports have shifted significantly towards Asia, particularly China, due to geopolitical tensions with the West. Massive infrastructure projects like the Power of Siberia pipelines reinforce its strategic position as an indispensable energy supplier.

5. United States: Technological Edge in Unconventional Reserves

The United States may not have the largest proven conventional reserves, but it remains a global energy giant thanks to its shale oil and gas revolution. Proven oil reserves stand at around 70 billion barrels, while gas reserves are estimated at 450 trillion cubic feet.

Through technologies like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, the U.S. has transformed previously inaccessible resources into commercial supply. States like Texas, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania continue to dominate domestic production. The U.S. also leads in LNG exports, further consolidating its energy dominance.

6. Iraq: A Legacy of Rich Oil Reserves

Iraq holds over 145 billion barrels of proven oil, making it one of the top global oil exporters. Its major fields, such as Rumaila, West Qurna, and Kirkuk, continue to attract foreign partnerships, especially from China and Russia.

While the country’s natural gas reserves, estimated at over 130 trillion cubic feet, remain underutilized, Iraq is working toward reducing gas flaring and developing infrastructure to process more of its associated gas. Political instability and security concerns remain obstacles to full resource exploitation.

7. Qatar: Gas Giant with Global Reach

Qatar is relatively modest in terms of oil reserves, with around 25 billion barrels, but it ranks among the top three in global natural gas reserves, holding over 850 trillion cubic feet. The North Dome Field, which it shares with Iran, continues to be the backbone of Qatar’s economy.

In 2025, Qatar remains one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, supplying key markets in Asia and Europe. Its strategic investments in liquefaction and regasification terminals have helped it maintain global leadership in gas diplomacy.

8. United Arab Emirates: Diversified Energy Leader

The UAE holds about 111 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, primarily in Abu Dhabi, and over 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Through ADNOC, the national oil company, the UAE continues to invest heavily in enhanced recovery technologies and clean gas projects.

The UAE’s approach is marked by long-term economic diversification under its Energy Strategy 2050, combining traditional fossil fuel development with major investments in carbon capture and renewable energy.

9. Canada: Vast Reserves with Environmental Challenges

Canada’s proven oil reserves exceed 170 billion barrels, most of which are found in the Alberta oil sands. While this places Canada among the top three countries by reserves, environmental concerns and infrastructure bottlenecks continue to limit full-scale production.

Canada also holds over 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, mainly in British Columbia and Alberta, and has emerging LNG export projects aimed at reaching Asian markets.

10. Brazil: Latin America’s Offshore Oil Champion

Brazil rounds out the top 10 with over 15 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, primarily located in the pre-salt offshore basins. These deepwater resources have become commercially viable due to technological innovation and partnerships with international energy companies.

Brazil’s natural gas reserves are more modest, at around 16 trillion cubic feet, but rising. The country’s national oil company, Petrobras, remains a key player in Latin America’s energy landscape, with ambitions to expand its role as both a producer and exporter.