IEA: Energy Sector Methane Emissions Near Record Highs in 2025

Methane emissions from the energy sector remained near record highs in 2025, the International Energy Agency stated in its Global Methane Tracker 2026. The IEA report estimates that tackling these emissions could make 200 billion cubic metres of natural gas available annually, including nearly 100 billion cubic metres from cutting methane in oil and gas operations and a further 100 billion cubic metres from eliminating non-emergency flaring worldwide.

Nearly 15 billion cubic metres could be made available in a short period to provide relief to gas markets strained by ongoing global disruptions.

The oil, gas, and coal industries account for about 35 percent of all methane emissions from human activity, totaling 124 million tonnes a year from those sources. Oil contributes 45 million tonnes annually, coal 43 million tonnes, and natural gas 36 million tonnes, with an additional 20 million tonnes coming from bioenergy production and consumption.

Methane stays in the atmosphere for far less time than carbon dioxide but has a warming effect roughly 80 times more potent over a 20-year period.

These figures come as an April ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran is holding following disruptions that began after Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing crisis is disrupting about 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade flows. The IEA said tackling methane emissions is key for both climate change and energy security.

France, as the rotating chair of the Group of Seven, convened government officials, industry leaders, and experts to build momentum on cutting methane emissions ahead of the United Nations’ November COP31 summit. Christiana Figueres and Laurence Tubiana were among those participating.