Natural gas is actually methane, a hydrocarbon gas, composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH₄), and is a product of natural decay and decomposition of organic material.

Humans first harnessed the use of natural gas over 3,000 years ago. Today, some countries produce their own natural gas supplies, whereas others import from other regions.

The industry includes organizations focused on production, distribution, lobbying, regulation, and sustainability.