Methane abatement could unlock 200 bcm gas amidst Strait of Hormuz crisis

But methane emissions remained high despite reduction commitments.

Methane abatement measures could make up to 200 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas available to global markets each year as the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz highlights the energy security benefits of methane reduction.

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) The Global Methane Tracker 2026 said methane emissions from the energy sector remained near record highs in 2025.

It had no global decline despite methane reduction commitments covering more than half of global oil and gas production.

The report said methane abatement measures across gas systems in countries with spare export capacity and importing infrastructure could make nearly 15 bcm of gas available to markets in the near term.

Over the longer term, methane cuts from oil and gas operations could deliver nearly 100 bcm of gas to markets each year, whilst eliminating non-emergency gas flaring could unlock a further 100 bcm.

The IEA said the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz removed close to 20% of global liquefied natural gas supply from the market.

The report estimated that around 70% of fossil fuel methane emissions in 2025 came from the 10 largest emitting countries.

It also found methane intensity in oil and gas production varied by more than 100-fold between the best and worst-performing countries.

According to the IEA, existing technologies could abate around 70% of methane emissions from fossil fuels, equivalent to nearly 85 million tonnes.

More than 35 million tonnes could be avoided at no net cost based on average 2025 energy prices.

The report said upstream activities accounted for 80% of methane emissions from oil and gas operations.

Canada and the European Union recently introduced robust upstream regulations, whilst Brazil, Ghana, and Kazakhstan are developing similar measures.

The IEA released the report at an international high-level methane action event in Paris convened by France’s G7 Presidency.

Tim Gould, Chief Energy Economist of IEA, said methane reduction targets needed to be backed by policies, implementation plans, and operational measures.

He said methane abatement and lower flaring levels could provide additional gas supply during the current crisis.