Natural gas is produced both deep underground in the earth’s crust and at industrial production sites that tap into those underground reserves.

Underground formation

  • Natural gas forms over millions of years as buried organic matter (like ancient plants and microorganisms) is compressed and heated under layers of rock.
  • These gases accumulate in porous rock layers and are trapped by impermeable rock above them, creating reservoirs of gas.

Where on the planet

  • Large natural gas reservoirs exist on land and offshore, beneath the ocean floor.
  • Major producing regions include the Middle East, Russia, the United States, North Africa, and other sedimentary basins worldwide.

Top producing countries

  • In recent years, the United States and Russia have been among the largest producers of natural gas globally.
  • Other big producers include Iran, China, Canada, Qatar, and Australia, which each operate extensive gas fields and export infrastructure.

How it is brought to the surface

  • Companies drill wells into these underground reservoirs; the gas then flows up the wells to the surface under pressure.
  • In some regions, gas is produced from shale and other tight rock using hydraulic fracturing (fracking), where high‑pressure fluids crack the rock so the gas can escape.

From production to consumers

  • Once extracted, raw gas goes to processing plants where impurities and liquids are removed, producing pipeline‑quality dry natural gas.
  • This processed gas is then transported through pipeline networks or cooled into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for shipment by specialized tankers to distant markets.

If by “this gas” you meant a specific fuel (like LPG, biogas, or something from a forum post or device), share that context or a quote and a more tailored explanation can be given.