New Delhi, May 4 (PTI) Methane emission from fossil fuels recorded very high levels in 2025, with no indication of their reduction globally, according to a new report.
This is a concern, as methane is one of the main drivers of climate change — second only to carbon dioxide — responsible for 30 per cent of global warming since pre-industrial times.
The report, ‘Global Methane Tracker 2026’, released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on Monday, tabulated the latest estimates of methane emissions from the energy sector based on satellite data and measurements.
“Oil, gas and coal production output reached record highs in 2025, and the IEA estimates that methane emissions from these activities total 124 million tonnes (Mt) a year: oil is the largest
source at 45 Mt, followed by coal at 43 Mt, and natural gas at 36 Mt,” the report said.
It added that bioenergy production and consumption contributed to 20 Mt of methane emissions.
Notably, methane emissions from coal mining are higher on average than those of oil and gas.
The most intensive coal-sector emissions are found in the Caspian Sea region, while India, Indonesia and Australia all record intensities well below global average, according to the report.
In a statement, Dr Sabina Assan, methane analyst at global energy think tank Ember, said, “Coal, one of the biggest methane culprits, is still being ignored. There are cost-effective technologies available today, so this is a low-hanging fruit for tackling methane. We can’t let coal mines off the hook any longer.” The report highlighted that amid the current energy crisis, tackling methane could also help countries improve gas market security — a top priority following the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has wiped off nearly 20 per cent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from the market.
“If select countries with spare existing gas export capacity and importing countries were to implement readily accessible methane abatement measures across their gas systems, nearly 15 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas could very quickly be made available to markets,” the analysis said. PTI ALC ALC ARB ARB
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