The International Energy Agency published the Global Methane Tracker 2026 report, which shows that methane emissions in the energy sector are still close to record highs. However, there is a real opportunity not only to reduce harmful emissions, but also to strengthen global energy security, especially in the context of the crisis in the Middle East.
According to the analysis, if existing technologies and proven measures were implemented, about 200 billion cubic meters of natural gas could be returned to markets annually. Of this, almost 100 billion will come from combating methane leaks during the production and transportation of oil and gas, and another 100 billion will come from stopping the non-emergency flaring of associated gas. This is double the amount that disappeared from the market after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed and about 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas supplies were stopped.
The report notes that countries and companies are increasingly making commitments to reducing methane emissions — such initiatives now cover more than half of the world’s oil and gas production. However, the reality is that emissions are happening: in 2025, they remained at dangerously high levels. The gap between promises and actual actions remains significant.
Nevertheless, there are tools to solve the problem. About 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels (almost 85 million tons) can be reduced using existing technologies. Of this, 35 million tons could have been avoided without additional costs even at average prices in 2025, and today, taking into account the increased cost of energy resources, the economic benefit has become even higher.
It is especially effective to combat leaks directly at the fields – they account for 80% of methane emissions in the industry. Canada and the European Union have already introduced strict rules, and Brazil, Ghana and Kazakhstan are at the implementation stage. In addition, dozens of satellites in orbit help monitor large emissions in real time, and the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) has developed a mechanism to quickly alert operators and governments.
At a time when the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz has deprived the world of a significant share of LNG, the fight against methane is becoming not only a climate priority, but also a strategic energy priority. Even the simplest measures to reduce leaks can quickly provide the market with up to 15 billion cubic meters of gas, and systematic work – up to 200 billion.
As IEA Chief Economist Tim Gould emphasized in a report presented at the G7 meeting in Paris: “This is not just a climate problem. Combating methane and gas flaring brings huge energy security benefits, especially now when the world is in dire need of additional energy sources.”
Competent policy to reduce methane emissions can simultaneously slow down global warming and mitigate the consequences of geopolitical crises in energy markets.
Source: International Energy Agency (IEA)
