Methane emissions linked to fossil fuels showed no meaningful decline in 2025, holding at record levels worldwide despite oil, gas, and coal production also reaching historic highs, according to the latest Global Methane Tracker 2026 released by the International Energy Agency.
Drawing on satellite observations and field measurements, the report estimates that fossil fuel operations account for roughly 35 percent of human-driven methane emissions. Even with increasing global attention on climate goals, the agency found no clear evidence that emissions from the sector are falling.
Annual methane output from oil, gas, and coal production stood at 124 million tonnes. Oil contributed the largest share at 45 million tonnes, followed by coal at 43 million tonnes and natural gas at 36 million tonnes. An additional 20 million tonnes came from bioenergy use, largely due to incomplete combustion of traditional fuels used for cooking and heating in developing regions.
Although methane remains in the atmosphere for a much shorter period than carbon dioxide, roughly 12 years compared to centuries, it is far more effective at trapping heat during that time, making it a major driver of near term global warming.
Efforts to curb methane emissions have gained traction in recent years, with governments and companies announcing reduction targets. More than half of global oil and gas production is now covered by such commitments. In 2021, over 100 countries joined the European Union and the United States in launching the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Despite these commitments, the IEA noted that emissions from the energy sector remain close to record highs, highlighting a significant gap between pledges and implementation. Addressing methane leaks could also strengthen global energy security, especially in light of supply disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global energy trade.
The agency estimates that applying existing methane reduction measures across select exporting and importing countries could quickly free up nearly 15 billion cubic metres of gas. Over the longer term, cutting emissions from oil and gas operations could add close to 100 billion cubic metres annually to global supply, while eliminating routine gas flaring could unlock a similar volume. Together, these gains would exceed the supply losses caused by recent disruptions.
A significant share of emissions is concentrated among a small group of countries. The IEA estimates that more than 85 million tonnes of methane emissions in 2025 came from the ten largest emitters, led by China, primarily due to coal mining, followed by the United States and Russia.
IEA chief energy economist Tim Gould noted that while awareness and ambition have grown, translating commitments into concrete action remains the key challenge. He emphasised that tackling methane is not only critical for climate goals but also offers clear benefits for energy security at a time when global supply remains under pressure.
Among the most effective and affordable solutions are leak detection and repair programmes, which identify and fix emissions from equipment such as valves and pumps. Technologies like vapour recovery units can also capture gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.
In South and Southeast Asia, methane emissions from fossil fuels reached around 13 million tonnes in 2025. More than 60 percent of this came from coal mining, with the remainder linked to oil and gas operations. India and Indonesia were the largest contributors in the region, where rising energy demand has driven both production and emissions higher. However, the IEA expects a gradual decline in the coming years as energy systems evolve.
Within the oil and gas industry, the majority of methane emissions originate from upstream activities, including exploration and extraction. Emissions also occur through equipment leaks and incomplete combustion processes, particularly at flaring sites, further contributing to the overall environmental impact.
