IEA: Methane Emission Cuts Could Boost Global Gas Supply Amid Crisis

Methane Abatement and Energy Security

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported that reducing methane emissions is critical for both climate change mitigation and global energy security. According to the agency, tackling these emissions could make billions of cubic metres of gas available to international markets.

This increase in supply is viewed as a priority as the ongoing war in the Middle East continues to squeeze energy supplies. Specifically, the IEA suggests that dealing with these emissions could help alleviate the effects of the Iran crisis on the global energy supply.

Technical Feasibility and Potential Gains

The IEA finds that methane abatement offers a fast route to boosting gas supply. The agency notes that many methane reduction measures are already proven and cost-effective.

According to the report, approximately 70% of global emissions from fossil fuel production—equivalent to nearly 85 Mt—could be abated using existing technologies. The report also highlights a wide variation in emissions intensity across different countries, noting that the best-performing nations are already achieving lower levels.

Current Emission Trends

Despite the potential for reduction, the IEA concluded that methane emissions from the energy sector remained at near-record levels in 2025. The agency's analysis indicates that "mega-leaks" of methane persist, and fixing these would significantly boost energy stocks during the current crisis.

This data comes amid a broader context of fossil fuel market instability. Fatih Birol, the head of the IEA, stated in an interview with The Guardian that the war in Iran has "broken fossil fuel markets beyond repair". Birol asserted that the resulting price spikes and supply interruptions will permanently drive countries away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy sources, stating, "The damage is done".