Energy sector methane emissions linger near record highs: IEA

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Paris: Methane emissions from the global energy sector remained at near-record levels throughout 2025, according to the latest analysis from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The IEA’s Global Methane Tracker 2026 report suggests that tackling these leaks could make billions of cubic metres of gas available to international markets, providing a critical boost as the ongoing war in the Middle East continues to squeeze global energy supplies.

The report highlights that implementing tried-and-tested abatement measures could eventually deliver nearly 200 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas to the market annually.

In the immediate term, nearly 15 bcm could be made available quickly if key exporting and importing countries adopt readily accessible measures across their existing gas systems.

Satellite data and measurement campaigns used in the report have identified significant "mega-leaks" across the globe, with Turkmenistan dominating the list of the world's worst offenders. Despite claims from Turkmen officials that such leaks are being repaired within days, independent analysis shows that substantial super-polluting plumes have continued to occur.

Other major leaks were detected in the United States, particularly in Texas, where one plume released methane at a rate equivalent to the emissions of one million large vehicles.

Significant leaks were also recorded at state-owned facilities in Venezuela and Iran, while landfill sites in Turkey, Algeria, and Malaysia were identified as additional major sources of the potent greenhouse gas.