Strait of Hormuz Crisis Highlights Methane’s Role in Energy Security: IEA

Methane emissions from fossil fuels remained at very high levels in 2025, with no signs of global decline, according to the latest update from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The ongoing crisis in the Middle East is also highlighting the energy security benefits of methane abatement measures.

The Global Methane Tracker 2026 presents the IEA’s latest estimates and explores different abatement options along with their associated costs. The report’s findings are being launched at a high-level international event on methane action convened by France’s G7 Presidency in Paris.

The report notes that the availability and reporting of methane emissions data have improved, indicating around 70% of fossil fuel methane emissions in 2025. These emmission originated from the top 10 emitting countries. Meanwhile, it found methane intensity across oil and gas production varies widely, with the best-performing countries achieving results more than 100 times better than the worst.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Highlights Gas Supply Risks

Amid the current energy crisis, the research found that tackling methane emissions could also help improve gas market security—now a key priority. This shift in priority follows the disruptions linked to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has removed close to 20% of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from the market.

According to the report, if select exporting countries with spare capacity, along with importing nations, implement readily available methane abatement measures across gas systems, nearly 15 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas could quickly be made available to the market.

Over the longer term, cutting methane emissions from oil and gas operations globally could deliver nearly 100 bcm of gas annually, while eliminating non-emergency gas flaring could unlock an additional 100 bcm. Together, these gains would be double the supply lost due to the disruption.

Tech Could Cut 70% of Methane Emissions at Low Cost

The report highlights that many methane reduction solutions are already well-known and cost-effective. Around 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels—equivalent to nearly 85 million tonnes (Mt)—could be abated using existing technologies. This includes three-quarters of emissions from oil and gas and about half of coal-related emissions.

Based on average energy prices in 2025, more than 35 Mt could be reduced at no net cost, with the potential even higher under current elevated price levels.

Addressing upstream emissions remains one of the most effective strategies, as these account for 80% of oil and gas methane emissions. Countries such as Canada and the European Union have already introduced robust upstream regulations, while Brazil, Ghana, and Kazakhstan are in the process of doing so.

Satellite-based monitoring is also strengthening mitigation efforts, with dozens of satellites now capable of detecting large methane emission events. A growing number of service providers can alert governments and operators in real time. The Tracker is accompanied by a new framework developed in collaboration with the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) to help countries respond to such events.

This year’s Tracker also examines emerging efforts by several countries to develop markets for fuels with near-zero methane intensity. Additionally, the IEA’s interactive methane data tool has been updated to include enhanced policy tracking and detailed regional and country-level emissions estimates.

Commenting on the findings, Sabina Assan from Ember said, “Coal, one of the biggest methane culprits, is still being ignored. There are cost-effective technologies available today, making this a low-hanging fruit for methane mitigation. We can’t let coal mines off the hook any longer.”

In India, Rajasekhar Modadugu added, “Methane emissions from coal mining have not received enough attention from global climate organisations. It is crucial to prioritise mitigation efforts. Major coal-producing countries, including India, should focus on deploying existing technologies and exploring the feasibility of capturing, utilising, or eliminating these emissions.”