Abstract: Being a clean fuel, natural gas is playing an important role in energy supply during first half of the 21st century. The paper reviews the history of natural gas resources evaluation, proved reserves development, production variation, consumption growth and trade development. In addition, it prospects the development of natural gas in the future. Such points can be achieved from the paper: ① Resources estimation of natural gas is expected to exceed 500 trillion cubic meters; ② Annual growth of total proved reserves is expected to remain 4 trillion cubic meters for a long time; ③ Peak production of world natural gas is expected to reach 5 trillion cubic meters; ④ Annually average growth rate of world natural gas demand is expected to reach 2 percent until 2030. ⑤ The gas market is becoming global and marketed natural gas production will make up about 40 percent of total natural gas consumption in 2030.