Methane leaks waste more gas than Hormuz flows, IEA report finds
Methane emissions from fossil fuels remained at persistently high levels in 2025, with no clear sign of global decline despite available solutions, according to the latest International Energy Agency Global Methane Tracker report, a Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
The energy sector continues to be a major contributor, with emissions from oil, gas and coal production reaching about 124 million tonnes annually. Rising output has offset improvements in emissions intensity, leaving overall levels largely unchanged.
The findings come as geopolitical tensions, particularly disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, put additional strain on global energy markets. Around 110 billion cubic metres of gas flowed through the chokepoint in 2025. The report notes that the volume of gas lost globally through methane leaks and flaring is more than double the amount transiting Hormuz.
Experts say reducing methane emissions could play a key role in strengthening energy security during such crises. Capturing leaked gas and cutting flaring could bring significant volumes back into the market.
The IEA estimates that nearly 100 billion cubic metres of gas could be recovered annually by tackling methane emissions, with a similar amount unlocked by eliminating routine flaring.
Even in the short term, targeted measures could ease supply pressures. Rapid action across major producers and importers could make around 15 billion cubic metres of gas available relatively quickly, offering some relief to tight markets.
Despite the scale of the problem, the report emphasizes that solutions are readily available and often cost-effective. Around 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels could be reduced using existing technologies, and about 30% could be cut at no net cost, as the captured gas can be sold.
Key measures include leak detection and repair programs, replacing equipment that routinely emits methane, and installing vapor recovery systems to capture gas that would otherwise escape. In the coal sector, emissions can be reduced by capturing methane from mines or destroying it through flaring or oxidation.
Policy action is also critical. Proven approaches such as banning non-emergency flaring, enforcing strict monitoring and repair requirements, and setting technology standards could cut global oil and gas methane emissions by more than half if widely adopted.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Zulfiya Suleimenova, Ambassador-at-Large of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, spoke about the country's environmental achievements in methane emission reduction.
