Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed on BBC Breakfast that "most of our gas now comes from Montana in the (US) Midwest," a statement he has made previously. However, provisional data for 2025 indicates a more nuanced picture.
UK Gas Imports in 2025
According to provisional data, the UK imported 463,692 gigawatt hours (GWh) of gas in 2025. Of that, 104,360 GWh originated from the United States. While this makes the US the UK's largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), it is only the third largest overall source of gas when all forms are considered.
Montana's Role in US Gas Production
Montana is not a significant gas-producing state. In 2024, it contributed just 0.1% of total US dry gas production. Moreover, Montana's gas production typically falls below its own consumption levels, meaning it is a net importer of gas.
US Gas Exports to the UK
US Census Bureau data for 2025 shows that the US exported $2.8 billion worth of natural gas to the UK. The primary exporting states were Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, and Texas. Notably, no direct gas exports from Montana to the UK were recorded.
Montana's recorded natural gas exports in 2025 amounted to $525,083, and these were exclusively directed to Canada. A 2019 report on UK-Montana trade also did not list gas among its main exports to the UK.
In summary, while the US is a major supplier of LNG to the UK, it is not the largest overall source of natural gas. The claim that most of the UK's gas comes from Montana is not supported by the data.
